Amherstburg council to decide whether to build new town hall on former General Amherst High School site

Amherstburg is debating whether it should build a new town hall, part of the redevelopment of the former General Amherst High School. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbe

Amherstburg council is expected to decide Monday night whether to build a new town hall as part of the redevelopment of the former General Amherst High School property, a decision Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb says will shape the town’s future for decades.

“It’s quite a historic location,” Gibb said in an interview with CTV News. “There’s a lot of pros and cons to it.”

The proposal, put forward by Valente Development Corporation, would see a new municipal building incorporated into the company’s redevelopment plans at 130 Sandwich Street South. The project could also include a new public library and community theatre space.

Gibb said residents have expressed mixed views after he invited feedback on social media.

“It’s all over the place,” he said.

“There’s a lot of questions, a lot of people, a lot of residents who prefer not to spend the money. It’s one of those tough ones where, as a member of council, you’re trying to look 50 years down the road and see what’s best for the next generation or two.”

A report before council outlines several options, including renovating the current town hall, locating the municipal offices at the Libro Centre, or constructing a standalone building elsewhere in town. Estimated costs range from about $6 million to $27 million, depending on the option chosen.

“If we go with the town hall and the library and the community theatre, we’re a little over $15 million,” Gibb said.

“Citing it at the Libro, we’ve been quoted around $19 million, and building our own standalone building is in the range of $27 million.”

The report notes the current town hall is more than 60 years old and does not meet accessibility standards. Staff are spread across three locations in the municipality, which Gibb says creates inefficiencies.

“Our current town hall is simply not big enough for this municipality today,” he said.

“It’s 60 years old, it has accessibility challenges, and staff are working in three different locations. Bringing them to one spot should really increase the amount of efficiency.”

Gibb said whatever council decides, the town cannot continue with the status quo.

“It’s been 60 years in the making,” he said.

“We’re hoping that we make the right decision and take it from there.”

He expects a passionate debate at Monday’s meeting, which could determine the long-term direction for Amherstburg’s municipal services.

“I expect that we’re definitely going to get a very vigorous debate and it’ll really come down to a decision at council,” Gibb said.

“That’s democracy. It’s not pretty, but we have seven very active members of council who really put a lot of thought into these issues.”

Gibb said he’s keeping an open mind until the discussion takes place.

“It’s probably one of the biggest decisions this council is going to have to face,” he said.

“It’s listening, hearing feedback from residents, talking to people that you trust, and trying to make the best decision for the future of Amherstburg.”