Public ponders TD Bank scenarios
A second public consultation session about the fate of Creemore’s TD Bank property attracted another full-house to Station on the Green Sunday. Despite the stormy weather, a crowd of about 150 people gathered to hear about consolidated ideas hashed out at the first meeting held in December.
Small, a firm hired by the Creemore Community Foundation to gauge public opinion on a proposal to raze the bank building and extend the Horticultural Park, came back with the three scenarios.
One: Tear down the bank to create open public space and better street visibility for Station on the Green. This scenario “allows the community to take advantage of a one-time donation from both TD and the Foundation with an estimated value of $1 million.”
In this scenario, the Hort Society and other volunteers would be required to plan and implement ongoing maintenance. The Foundation would fundraise for the operational expenses of the expanded green space. Program management would have to be considered.
“The Foundation is confident in the fundraising potential for this idea and has already received expressions of interest to give donations for a village square,” said Small.
It was revealed at the meeting that TD is working out an agreement with Foodland to host the bank machine, which is in the process of being finalized.
Three: On the other end of the spectrum, the third scenario is to leave the bank and let it go on the open market, encouraging an individual commercial enterprise to start a new venture. This option would provide an addition business district visitor attraction and provide employment opportunities.
Two: The second scenario presented showed a middle ground, a public space that would incorporate elements of the building, perhaps as a pavilion or a glassed building. The option came out of the public’s desire to preserve part of the building for indoor/outdoor community use.
Small said TD would donate the property for community use but it is unclear if a third party could accept the donation directly. However, it was made clear that financial support from the Foundation would be minimal, an operator would be needed and the costs associated with operations, renovations and programming would be the responsibility of the operator or the public.
Participants shared ideas with the rest of the room but no vote was taken, making it difficult to gauge consensus.
In terms of next steps, Small will report back to the TD Lands Community Consultation Committee (TLC) that is overseeing this phase of the planning process. It is expected the committee will make a recommendation to Creemore Community Foundation and, depending on the preferred route, Small would enter the design phase of the planning process.
