Stouffville purchased 6343 Main Street for $1.089 million in Parkland Trust funding with plans to remove the building, expand Civic Square, and add green space.
Council held off on approving demolition during their March 1 Budget Meeting, deciding to seek possible tenants for a portion of the space in an effort to preserve the building and bring on a new revenue stream.
A Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) was released on May 17, 2023. It remained live for a month, however, no interested parties came forward.
Town Staff are now requesting Council approval of the original plan for removing the existing structure and revitalizing the area with urban parkland, as stated in the related report.
Staff believe the new park will refresh and enhance the usability of the area, promote sustainability, and contribute to the urban revitalization of Stouffville’s downtown core.
While the building is not formally designated as a heritage property, “it will be Staff’s intention, where practical, to preserve and incorporate materials to maintain connection to the Town,” the report adds.
Councillor Sue Sherban, a long-time advocate for preserving the building, expressed unhappiness with the outcome.
“It is a shame that we don’t think bigger of what we can do with our heritage buildings,” she said in a recent social media post.
Mayor Lovatt expressed his disappointment with the failure to secure tenants for the building, despite personally discussing the opportunity with two interested parties before the RFEI process began.
The renovation of the building would cost an estimated $2.5 million, while the already-approved budget for the demolition process is set at $200,000.
Residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the proposed demolition and park during Wednesday’s 9 a.m. Council meeting at 111 Sandiford Drive.
