Council moves to dissolve Southgate lease agreement

The Municipality of North Grenville took steps to dissolve its lease agreement with Southgate Community Church. A resolution was tabled during Committee of the Whole last night.

The motion, brought forward by Councillor John Barclay, says the municipality will provide a forgivable loan or sponsorship to Southgate, conditional on the completion of an outdoor rink and dissolving the lease agreement between the two parties. 

The municipality entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Southgate and the Ottawa Senators Foundation back in 2016. Southgate leased a portion of its property to the municipality to build an outdoor rink, with the Sens kicking in $50,000. 

Councillor Kristin Strackerjan asked for more time to consider the matter prior to passing the resolution. Mayor Nancy Peckford noted a time constraint, due to construction being underway at Southgate. The hour-long discussion ended in a recorded vote, with only Strackerjan opposing. 

According to Mayor Nancy Peckford, the Sens Foundation is interested in partnering directly with the municipality to build a rink somewhere else.  

When asked whether there would be legal implications for the municipality, CAO Brian Carré said it would be premature to speculate at this time.  

The resolution was recommended to council. The final vote is set for August 27.