Terms and conditions approved for new Cookstown Library
by Michelle Minnoch

Council approved a recommendation Wednesday night regarding the terms and conditions of the revised Amending Agreement between the Innisfil Public Library Board and the Cookstown Agricultural Society for the new Cookstown Library.

"I am very happy to see this come this far," remarked Councillor Bill Van Berkel. Councillor Paul Wardlaw concurred, thanking all the people involved, "especially Ms. Downs. The perseverance paid off."

The Library began discussions with the Cookstown Agricultural Society in the fall of 2005. The terms were presented to and endorsed by the Cookstown Agricultural Society's members in July 2006. The Library Board had $500,000 set aside for the project, and the lands were sold for $625,000. Council approved the additional funds for the project.

Councillor Lynn Dollin inquired about the artifacts on the property. "If there's a way to fit them in, it would be appreciated," she said.

Council passed the terms of the deal in February 2007, and the Agricultural Society requested three changes to the agreement; the Town maintains general liability insurance over the parking area; the Agricultural Society requested 60 days post closing date to remove personal property and materials; and the Library Board try to use the historical artifacts in or near the property.

The Library Board accepted these terms on March 7.