Abbeyfield House loan request is rejected by Selwyn council
Selwyn Township council has denied a request to provide a loan for the Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield’s proposed housing project.
During Tuesday night’s council meeting, Ron Black, the group’s president, asked council for a loan of $100,000 so a four-acre piece of property could be purchased to build an affordable housing home for seniors.
“As a show of support in commitment to this project, Abbeyfield board members have committed personal loans of $50,000 toward the purchase of this property. Our board of community volunteers are leading by example in putting their personal resources in place to move this project forward,” Black said.
While council supports the project, they were reluctant to lend the group any money.
“I agree with this project wholeheartedly, in principle, but the loan does concern me,” said Coun. Donna Ballantyne. “I do not feel that it would be prudent for council to consider it, first of all, because there’s too many variables and uncertainties regarding the ability for the process to move forward in a timely manner.”
Council has not seen zoning bylaw or official plan amendment details, she said.
“We’re not certain with the current zoning or if you could actually start to rent. There are also numerous studies that could be requested before you start business; possibly a traffic study, environmental impact study, hydrogeological study, just to name a few,” Ballantyne said.
As discussed at council’s meeting in July, she said when the time is appropriate, council supports the possibility of considering grant equivalents to some of the planning fees, grant equivalents to relevant building fees, along with promotion and awareness about the project and its fundraising efforts.
Denying Black’s loan request is in the best interest of all taxpayers and the correct position for council to take, she said.
Considering Black ran for the last election for mayor, Deputy Mayor Sherry Senis asked him if he were sitting in the chair, if he would support the request.
“I would absolutely support it,” Black said. “I see nothing wrong with county council or this council supporting a social enterprise in this township.”