May 26, 2009 - 05:46 PM

Scott Howard

Upwards of 65 residents packed the auditorium of the Cannington Community Centre last Wednesday night to offer up their comments on the future of the Cannington Library. And the overwhelming opinion in the room was that the town hall is the best fit for a new library.

"It's in the best interest of the taxpayers to use the assets we have," said Margaret Crammond.

"It's the most cost-effective way to address the problem... And we can't afford to do anything but the most cost-effective option."

Margaret Rendering agreed, saying that moving the library to the town hall may be the only way to ensure the historic building is preserved.

"If you don't make this decision now, you might as well raze the building," she said.

While several other sites have been considered over the years, the argument around the council table as of late centres on the town hall and the Community Health Centre (CHC) that will ultimately be built at the former Cannington Chrysler lot on Cameron Street.

When called to a vote earlier at the April 27 meeting, regional councillor John Grant along with councillors Mike Manchester (Ward 1) and Anthony Woodruff (Ward 3) were in favour of the town hall, while restoring the historic building to the cost of $1.7 million. Mayor Larry O'Connor and councillors David Marquis (Ward 4) and Ted Smith (Ward 5) are on board with the CHC at a cost $1.3 million, though the Township has yet to undertake any form of negotiations regarding a long-term lease or possible co-ownership of the facility.

Ward 2 rep Randy Skinner voted against both scenarios, citing a lack of information.

At last week's public meeting, resident Barry Hobbs said it would be foolhardy for council to even consider the CHC based on the lack of concrete information.

"It (the town hall) is the only asset we have control over," he said.

Dave Wright's comment followed a similar line of thinking.

"We should take care of what we already own," he said.

But many residents also urged council to speed the process along.

Moved by the comments of his neighbours, new resident David Slabodkin, president of insurance firm Canada Protection Plan, pledged $50,000 to rehabilitate the town hall should council move forward in a "reasonable timeframe."

"Listening to what the other townspeople had to say, you could hear the emotion, the concern and the worry," Mr. Slabodkin said in an interview following the meeting.

"I really believe in the town hall. It's part of the culture and history of Cannington. It's a wonderful building that could bring the community together."

But he wasn't the only one looking for a quick resolution.

Sunderland resident Joe Allin made a brief statement on behalf of the Brock Township Library Board and told council members that the board will continue to steer clear of the debate surrounding the potential sites, but would like to be consulted before one is chosen.

"Determining the location for the Cannington library branch is a complex decision with significant financial implications," he said.

"A new facility is needed, but the location is the exclusive decision of council."

Describing the current site as "woefully inadequate," Mr. Allin urged council to establish a "clear timeline" on when a new or improved facility would be made available.

"There needs to be some idea of how long we have to deal with the current building," he told members of council.

That sentiment was somewhat echoed by Michael Jones, who asked council to get moving on the issue.

"It astounds me that it's taken this long... What's the holdup?" he asked members of council.

"How long are you going to let our library rot?"

Bert Arnold, meanwhile, drew gales of laughter from the crowd when he offered up his assessment of the situation.

"This has gone on and on and on. I guess what I'm saying is get off your arses."