Item PH26670 - Developer offers gift of land for new civic centre

Description : Calling it the "single biggest issue or event that's come to Council, as far as having positive impact," Councillor Marty Toombs announced a gift of property to the municipality by Mike Orsi, principal of Mod-Aire Homes Ltd. A committee comprised of Toombs, Councillor Ron Simpson and Mayor Frank Jonkman had apparently approached a number of developers regarding a possible acquisition of land for a new civic centre. The Town is conducting a Consolidation Study, looking at the feasibility of bringing all Town departments under one roof. To their surprise, Orsi offered to hand over the deed to 6 acres fronting on County Road 88, just east of the former Mod-Aire offices, which were destroyed by fire. There are two conditions. The Town can't sell the property, but is free to "exchange" it for other lands closer to the centre of town, if desired. "I think his entire goal was to start a new relationship with the people in town," said Toombs.