What does the future hold for the interior of Greater Napanee town hall? Council had a discussion last night after receiving a report on a pilot art show. They’re asking to use the space two days a week, Thursday nights from 4pm-8pm and on Saturdays from 12pm-4pm.
Councillor and Chair of the Market Square Advisory Committee, Dave Pinnell Jr, shared he sees no issues with this pilot project, as long as the main floor remains available as a flex-space, so anyone can use it.
Mayor Terry Richardson shared his concerns, saying council has not received any committee minutes from the Market Square Advisory Committee since last year.
The mayor shared this is the first time a plan for the first floor of the building has come before council.
CAO Matthew Grant said he asked for this report, looking to further understand. Grant said in his experience he knows recommendations come back to council and a strategy might be developed, but that this hasn’t come back to council. He made this recommendation,
Mayor Richardson says the area was developed for employees, not to host members of the public. “It’s still only that, until we make a decision on that and create a space that’s open for the public, I really don’t think we’re in a position to offer it up at this point.
Concerns were then voiced about two events planned for the town, one of which Culture Days, which used the main floor last year. Annie Manion, Manager of Community Economic Development, Community & Corporate Services, asked for direction on relocation of the events since they’re going to hold off on the main floor.
Culture Days is scheduled for September 21st, with the current plan to host it on the main floor of Town Hall. Council’s next scheduled regular meeting is August 27th, which is cutting it close for organizers of Culture Days for finding a new location.
CAO Grant says they’ll reach out to the groups and make sure they’re involved in the talks over the next few weeks. If a special meeting is needed between now and August 27th to make a decision, they will call one.
Council passed a motion received for information the Town Hall Interior Update Report and further council direct staff to report back to the next regular session meeting on August 27, 2024, regarding all proposed public uses of the town facility.
Written by Emily Chatwood