Port Hope council is moving ahead with the acquisition of 39 Pine Street, describing the former school as an opportunity to address long-standing municipal space needs while preserving a historic community building.
During Monday’s council meeting, Special Advisor Leo Deloyde outlined the rationale behind the purchase, saying staff spent months evaluating options after council directed them to examine solutions for municipal space pressures and future growth.
Deloyde said the property offers immediate benefits beyond simply adding office space.
Staff said the $3.25-million purchase also creates opportunities to generate future revenue through grants, partnerships and potential tenancy, while supporting anticipated growth, including police screening services associated with possible future industrial development.
Much of council’s discussion centred on transparency rather than the acquisition itself.
Councillors requested that the financial analysis used to support the purchase—including comparisons with constructing a new municipal building, projected renovation costs and future staffing plans—be released publicly as those figures are refined.
Deloyde said staff intends to do exactly that.
Councillors also asked whether documents previously reviewed in closed session could now be made public.
Town staff confirmed there would be no issue releasing that information.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky reminded those in attendance that council had already approved proceeding with the acquisition during a closed session on June 23, with the subsequent recorded vote in open session supported by every member of council except Councillor Adam Attridge.
Council also heard that future reports will outline projected renovation costs, tenant arrangements, property strategy and potential uses for other municipal buildings as staff develop a longer-term accommodation plan.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
