Monday evening’s council agenda includes an item, Memo from the Manager of Economic Development, Re: Offer to purchase 255 Highway 108. The agenda notes, "it may be discussed in closed session under section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001."
Under the Municipal Act, it is a common practice for a council to consider property proposals and offers in closed session. This practice protects the proponent's competitive advantage and therefore, the on-going attractiveness of the municipality to prospective investors. However, this does not prevent the council from sharing some non-proprietary information with the citizens when they return from the closed session, which they have done occasionally.
255 Highway 108 is located in a prime commercial location, beside Tim Horton’s, near McDonald’s and the Hampton Inn.
Elliot Lakers have watched this property closely. It was the home of the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre until a roof collapse in the auditorium area, February 2019. The building was subsequently demolished.
Two attempts for significant grant funding of a new performance theatre and other civic facilities failed. One in 2022, and a scaled down attempt in 2023.
The city began replacement of some of the civic centre facilities with the extensive renovation at the Downtown Arts Centre on Elizabeth Walk. It is expected to open soon.
More facilities replacement is planned following the recent acquisition of the Holy Trinity United Church building at 40 Hillside Dr. N., directly across from City Hall.
The property at 255 Highway 108 is a prime commercial location on Elliot Lake's main road and is steps to the downtown core. With commercial neighbours already drawing traffic, it is ideally located to leverage the economic principle of clustering.
Here's what it looked like the morning of Feb. 25, 2023 as the Ice Fishing Derby was getting underway in town.
Video: Traffic at neighbouring businesses, Feb. 25, 2023, Ice Fishing Derby day. 255 Highway 108 is in view at the conclusion of this video clip.