It’s in with the new, out with the old as Woolwich looks at dumping some of its real estate holdings. The properties up for discussion include the old Floradale fire station on Ruggles Road – replaced by a much larger facility on Florapine Road – the former administration building on Arthur Street in Elmira and the soon-to-be vacant Elmira pool, which could be mothballed as early as next month when the Woolwich Memorial Centre opens.
Also on the list of potential surplus lands are the old Woolwich Township hall on Sawmill Road in Conestogo and a former gravel pit in Maryhill, as well as a few odds and sods such as old road allowances.
Meeting this week, township council gave notice of its intent to declare the 11 properties as surplus on Sept. 8.
Director of finance Richard Petherick said many of the smaller parcels are landlocked parcels of value only to neighbouring properties. Those adjacent to school properties, for instance, are likely to be purchased by the school board.
The larger properties, however, are being counted on to help finance the township’s recent building spree. Any money realized from the sales will offset some of the costs of new recreation facilities. Property valuations will be included in packages prepared for the Sept. 8 council meeting.
