Grey Highlands will be demolishing a town-owned building in downtown Markdale in 2024.
At its committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 6, council voted 5-2 to proceed with plans to spend $50,000 to demolish an old building located at 11 Toronto Street North in Markdale. The building is located next to the TD Bank branch.
The building has been unoccupied since 2018 and has become a haven for wildlife and municipal staff also believe it has suffered significant water damage. The building was once an auto shop and later was retail space.
Staff had recommended $50,000 be included in the 2024 tax levy to demolish the building. Initially, the space will be used for additional downtown parking, but a developer has expressed interest in the property. Earlier in the budget process council approved the expenditure.
However, Mayor Paul McQueen brought the item back to the council table for a reconsideration. The mayor said with the municipality facing a significant tax increase in 2024 – the demolition project could wait. McQueen said until there was a firm plan for what to do with the property, or a potential sale to a developer the building could remain standing.
“It’s locked up. It’s closed up,” said McQueen. “Until there is money on the table and a plan, let’s wait.”
However, other members of council were reluctant to delay the project.
“This building has to be demolished. We’re just kicking the can down the road again,” said coun. Dan Wickens. “Do the work. It has to be done.”
Coun. Tom Allwood said the removal of the building would be good for the municipality and downtown.
“It increases the value of the property to the developer,” he said.
After the discussion, council voted to keep the project in the budget. McQueen and Coun. Paul Allen were opposed.
