With so many changes happening in the Town of Bancroft, Town council is gearing up to make sure those changes will benefit the taxpayer.
They have created a new Building, Property and Bylaw Committee to oversee the managing of town property with so many new projects being undertaken. Mayor Paul Jenkins says that the town will soon own a lot of surplus buildings from projects like the new library, moves to make a new gym at the North Hastings Arena, and the old township building, to name a few. In addition, some bylaws may need to be updated for these buildings, which the committee will oversee. Jenkins hinted that this may result in some of the buildings the Town owns being put up for sale.
Jenkins says the committee is all about getting the best use for the taxpayer. He wants the committee to optimize these buildings, which are expensive to maintain. As the taxpayers are on the hook for the maintenance of these buildings, Jenkins believes it’s the mandate of council to deal with them efficiently. He also says it’s a sign that the town is expanding and growing, as these buildings will only be available because they are making way for new projects.
The new committee will be chaired by Councillor Wayne Wiggins, with Deputy Mayor Charles Mullett and Councillor Valerie Miles being the other two board members.