LAURIE WEIR
Rideau Lakes Township has approved the next step in developing the former Gallagher property in Portland, despite the project having been cut from the draft budget and no final budget in place.
At the April 14 Municipal Services Committee meeting, councillors approved Option 1 of the concept site plans developed by Bell & Associates — with amendments that include public consultation and a phased request for proposals (RFP), starting with an assessment of the carriage house. There is no cost associated with this stage of the process.
“We’ve had this property for seven years,” said Coun. Debbie Hutchings. “Maybe in year three we should’ve had this done, or year four — but now we’re in year seven and we’re still postponing.”
Others around the table urged caution.
“I don’t think we should be looking at anything when it’s outside the budget,” said Coun. Marcia Maxwell. “The first thing we need to get done is that budget finalized. We’re halfway through the year.”
Concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of the carriage house and the importance of advancing the playground component, which is being driven by a local community group.
“We’ve got to quit letting all the buildings deteriorate and fall down,” Hutchings added. “We’ve got to go as far as we can go with dreaming and proposing — and when the time comes, do the next step. But don’t cut it off before you even know what the future could be.”
The updated concept plan — shaped by community feedback gathered over the past year — includes space for pop-up vendors, a portable stage, public greenspace, walking paths, and a block building to house washrooms, heritage displays, and a Harbour Master office. Gallagher House will not be rebuilt, but a storyboard is proposed to commemorate the historic structure.
Deputy Mayor Paula Banks, who chaired the meeting, raised concerns about timing and community engagement.
“I think we need more community input before we move forward,” she said. “But I don’t want to stop the work on the playground.”
Steve Holmes, manager of facilities and parks, confirmed that moving forward in stages would not carry immediate budget implications. He also confirmed that they did consult with the community.
Coun. Sue Dunfield stressed the urgency of action. “The playground people have been raising money for the last couple of years … I would love to see the RFP put forward, as Steve and Shellee have talked about, and do it in sections.” She added: “Let’s just move on with this, please.”
CAO Shellee Fournier supported a “baby step” approach — recommending council send the plan out for public consultation while staff prepares a phased RFP, beginning with a full assessment of the carriage house.
The amended motion to approve Option 1, proceed with consultation, and phase the RFP passed in a 5–3 recorded vote. Maxwell, Coun. Ron Pollard, and Mayor Arie Hoogenboom — who joined the meeting virtually — voted against the motion.
The opposition was rooted in the township’s yet-to-be-approved budget, and confirmation that this project had already been cut from the draft.
“Steve had some dollars in there, but it’s been cut at this point,” Fournier confirmed.
Council will now await the results of the RFP process and community feedback before making further decisions on the site’s development.
