Lease agreement in the works for displaced seniors
Clearview Township council approved a lease agreement Monday that would allow residents displaced by a Jan. 14 fire at The Belmont to move into the building formerly occupied by Stayner Care Centre.
“The township thought it might be a good idea to try to keep those folks in the community and keep the employees working,” said CAO John Ferguson.
Council approved entering into a lease agreement with The Belmont Stayner Inc and JLW Development Inc for use of a portion of the building located at 7308 Highway 26. The municipality recently purchased the property for additional office space, a new home for the youth centre, and future community uses, which remains the intended use.
“But we thought this would take priority so we’re working with the property owners and the business owner to make sure that this is understood to be a temporary arrangement to try to get the folks back into their property again once it’s reconstructed,” said Ferguson.
Mayor Doug Measures came up with the proposal after visiting the scene of the fire and learned that residents were transported to temporary accommodations in Midland.
“The discussions going on so far have been very positive because we’ve all been working in that direction in good faith to try to help meet those objectives of keeping those residents here in our community because that’s where they want to be,” said Measures.
The monthly rent would be set at $7,000, payable for the term and any extensions of the lease agreement.
Following an in camera discussion Monday council voted unanimously that should the tenancy go on longer than one year, the rent would increase to $10,500 per month, and to $14,000 after 18 months. The lease would be terminated at the end of the second year. The new tenants will be responsible for utilities, maintenance and insurance.
“It will cause a shift in gears for staff but it’s well worth supporting the community,” said Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren. “It’s reasonable for all parties involved. We’ve given them the commitment for a one-year term which is what they’ve really asked for.”
Ferguson reported that 36 seniors were displaced by the fire and that a maximum of 28 would be moving in to the former Stayner Care Centre. He said The Belmont will undergo partial demolition and reconstruction, a process that could take up to two years.
Measures said the objective is to see residents back at The Belmont after the renovation.
The Belmont officials declined to comment until the agreement is signed.
County to manage Wilcox Place apartments
Also included on the Jan. 26 council agenda was a property management agreement for Wilcox Place.
The apartment block was purchased by the township as part of the acquisition of the former Stayner Care Centre, both having the address 7308 Highway 26.
Council has approved paying Simcoe County Housing Corporation an annual management fee of $33,781, to be funded from revenue from the building’s six apartments.
“We do not want to be in the rental business,” said Van Staveren. “This is a perfect opportunity because if more opportunities come forward, the county knows now that we’re willing to cooperate. It may sound like a lot of money for the annual management fee but one situation could make that seem miniscule.”
