On Council COW agenda there is a Staff report recommending the re-location of Laskay Hall to the Heritage Cultural Centre.  This is a significant, major decision for the Township. As reviewed  the decision has only been made after careful thorough assessment of alternatives and community engagement.  For me, the only rationale for doing so is the vision of Laskay Hall being a venue for community events for the next 100 years. In its current location this would simply not occur as an unused building deteriorates quickly.  Its true that there is no unanimous endorsement to the plan; importantly the Hall Board is very supportive.

The reasons for not maintaining status quo is covered in the report and in previous posts I have made. As we do not have many designated heritage properties in the Township, particularly ones which are municipal property, I do regret that a re-location is required.  But, as our Heritage Advisory Committee believes strongly that it is important for our heritage properties to be part of the “living community” as opposed to being museum-like properties which are almost frozen in time,  re-locating the Hall is a variation.  Its use & purpose is being maintained; but is location is being changed. The annual events for which it is known (e,g, Raspberry Social, Christmas Turkey Dinner) will continue; its stage will be there for the theatrical types to use and entertain the ~100 audience.