Town gets land exchange deal

Town Council

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In Port Elgin, the pathways that lead down to the Town Pond and then on to the beach have been used for many years, so many, that people probably thought they were on public lands when, in fact, they run on private property.

Patricia and Allan Kawamoto, Anne Pedley, Joan Johnston and Wayne and June Rourke actually own the four parcels of land through which the paths run.

Three of the land owners have offered to donate a 30 foot wide strip of land to the town so that the paths can be retained.

In exchange, the town will be responsible for the surveys required, the legal and land transfer taxes, fencing where required or land in lieu of fencing, easements to each owner to allow them access to their land and tax receipts for the donations.

The fourth 25,000 sq. ft. parcel of land is an irregular shape and, therefore, the owner has requested that the remaining sewer and water capital costs levied against the property be waived in exchange for the land.

The deal, which would cost the town $23,350, will then ensure that the pathways can continue to be used as access to the Town pond and beach area from the west end of Catherine Street adjacent to the Town Tourist Camp and south along Ridge Street.

The recommendation to go ahead with the plan was approved at the last council meeting.

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Monday, November 16, 2009