Cookstown Library/Rec Centre another step closer
by Michelle Minnoch

Council unanimously endorsed a recommendation Wednesday night, regarding the agreement of the Purchase of Sale of the lands owned by the Cookstown Agricultural Society, for the purpose of building a library/recreation centre in the Village of Cookstown.

The lands, located at 18 Queen Street, were bought for $625,000 and do not include the lands owned by the Cookstown Curling Club, as the property is under a renewable lease, which will terminate on July 13, 2055.

"This has been a long time coming," said Councillor Lynn Dollin. "We have to thank the members of the Cookstown Agricultural Society - I know a developer would have paid more."

In 2005, $500,000 was approved through the capital budget for the purchase of the land. The library entered into talks with the Agricultural Society to purchase the land. It was agreed the library could make the purchase at a cost of $625,000.

"This has been a long road with a lot of curves," stated Councillor Paul Wardlaw. "It is a rare opportunity for us to have this land for the people of the town."

Last July, council passed a resolution to approve the purchase of the property, as well as pay the legal, preliminary site planning and surveying fees.

The Town now has to enter into an Assigning Agreement with the Innisfil Library Board who will assign the Agreement of Purchase and Sale to the Town.

In the 2006 budget, $2.4 million has been set aside for the construction of the facility. If approved in the 2007 budget, $1 million will be needed for servicing, consulting and engineering.