August 24 Council agenda includes Staff report with recommendations on the relocation of the Township Administrative Offices, specifically to relocate to the former Holy Name school site on King Road.  (This initiative has been entitled MOVE.)  I have not had opportunity to review it all yet but some points jump out at me which are very positive:   re-purposing a large portion of the current building and exploring the opportunity to include a York Region Police (YRP) Substation.  By repurposing we will be walking the talk about reducing waste and creatively integrating the old into contemporary times.  In addition to the obvious benefit of increased security in the community, inclusion of a YRP substation is an opportunity for sharing capital costs and a revenue stream in terms of lease costs to support ongoing operational costs.  To read the  recommendation and the consultant’ report follow this link to the agenda; scroll down to 9.2.

There have been some negative comments on this project because of the reported estimated full cost of $10 million.  This project will be done with an objective of minimum, if any, property tax dollars. A major source of funding will be the sale of the current Township Office. As noted above value of YRP is partially the opportunity to have a partner to share costs.  This Council will continue its practise of full transparency with our constituents.  It is premature to be saying it is a bad idea. 

Finally..to explain the project title MOVE.  Municipal Office Vision For Everyone