Town of Collingwood Offer To Purchase
Former Movie Theatre Complex
Will Not Move Forward
The Town of Collingwood's plan to purchase the former Cinema Four Theatre complex may not move forward. The initial offer from the Town had expired, and Mayor Chris Carrier said a second offer was rejected. Council will now decide whether or not to proceed with efforts to purchase the property or to abandon any further discussion regarding the matter.
Collingwood council had earlier voted in favour of purchasing the former Sinton Theatre complex at 40 Huron Street. The purchase price is $1.4 million dollars and will be made up of a provincial grant of $700,000 (the town had received $1.281 million in "Investing In Ontario" funds to be used for the repair along the spit and $433,000 (maximum of $500,000) was directed toward the Airport runway project.), Economic Development Reserves of $355,000, proceeds of the Tremont property sale totalling $100,000, General Reserves of 170,000 and Cash-in-lieu of Parking Fees totalling $75,000.
Mayor Chris Carrier said at the time that purchasing the property would provide an opportunity for the town to enter into potential development partnerships that support community objectives as stated in the town's Strategic Plan and Sustainable Community Plan. The purchase of the former theatre building would have provided an excellent opportunity for Georgian College to expand its Collingwood operation.
On September 25th, Mayor Chris Carrier received a letter from Brian Tamblyn, President and CEO of Georgian College, asking the town to work with Georgian staff to identify a single site for College operations within the town of Collingwood. "As you know, Georgian is presently operating out of the Federal Building with a single classroom, and is using other rented academic space at a variety of locations throughout the town" Tamblyn stated. Mr. Tamblyn stated that the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan identifies the college's need to operate in facilities where they have long-term control, either through ownership or innovative partnerships. "We have achieved this in Barrie, Bracebridge, Midland, Orangeville, Orillia and Owen Sound. Collingwood is the sole outstanding community where we have yet to identify a viable and suitable site, despite many years of searching, and we would like to remedy this deficiency if at all possible" Tamblyn said.
In addition, the town would have been able to develop additional off-street parking had the purchase of the former theatre building moved forward.
Councilor Mike Edwards voted against the original motion to purchase the property. Edwards voiced concern that the town didn't have any formal agreements in place with possible partners or tenants.
The town's proposed purchase of 40 Huron Street was originally to close by the end of October, 2009.
The purchase of 40 Huron Street would have provided the town with additional downtown parking opportunities
The former theatre is located close to the town's waterfront and adjacent to "The Station" which hosts many cultural events throughout the year. The new Collingwood Library (building with blue siding) is under construction nearby.