Kincardine council

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The sale of municipal land at the south end of Ward 1 (former Town of Kincardine) could mean the loss of the "Welcome" sign that is of historical significance to the town.

In committee-of-the-whole earlier this month, Steve Murray, now community services co-ordinator, said that in 2003, the municipality began a program to sell surplus municipally-owned lands.

The portion at Part Elgin Market Square Plan, Kincardine, Part 4 and 5 Plan 3R6613, is the last remaining practical piece of property in Ward 1 that could be deemed surplus and put up for sale, said Murray.

The two parcels of land measure 85 feet-by-116-feet (almost 10,000 square feet) and include a section of the closed Clinton Street road allowance. They have full municipal services and have been appraised at $50,000.

Councillor Mike Leggett said that the former economic development committee declined to deem this land surplus and put it up for sale because of the historic "Welcome" sign located there. 

The sign was maintained by a local family for years and was the entrance to the Town of Kincardine when Highway 21 ran along Kincardine Avenue, prior to the bypass being built.

"It should be rezoned as parkland and kept," said Leggett.

Murray said the road allowance was officially closed and the sign is now maintained by the municipal parks department.

"There is no reason to get rid of that land," argued Leggett.

"So, we'd give up $50,000 in revenue for a 30-year-old sign?" asked mayor Larry Kraemer, in disbelief.

Murray said the property is zoned commercial and planned development, and is not appropriate for an affordable housing project.

Council barely agreed with deeming the property surplus and putting it up for sale. At the council meeting Aug. 10, the land was deemed surplus and staff directed to put it on the market.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011