Location for Kerr Log House scrutinized

Caledon councillors had some differences about where the Kerr Log House should be located after the redevelopment feasibility study was presented to them recently.

The redevelopment feasibility study was prepared for the Caledon Heritage Foundation by E.R.A. Architects Inc. of Toronto.

The Kerr Log House is a mid-19th century log farmhouse that was dismantled and donated to the Town of Caledon in 2001. A subcommittee of Heritage Caledon developed plans to reuse the building as a Town-wide community heritage facility. The feasibility study identified five main uses for the house and site including a cultural heritage resource and visitors centre, gallery and exhibition space, community workshop and meeting space, office and storage space, and a community commons.

Michael McLelland of E.R.A. Architect Inc., told council the Town-owned land on the west side of Innis Lake Road, south of Old Church Road, is the preferred location for the Kerr Log House.

He explained it offers the best use as a Town-wide resource and is in a central location. He added it's the clearest site in terms of ownership. Its proximity to the existing municipal offices at the Town Hall was also cited as beneficial.

McLelland also noted his company examined the condition of the logs and they're in good condition. They gave council the most inclusive costs of what's required. Two options with conceptual floor plans in both single and double phasing were presented with costs ranging from $614,785 to $738,140.

Councillor Annette Groves said she was a little disappointed they couldn't fit the Kerr Log House on a site near the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness in Bolton. She added it would be near schools.

"It does originate in Bolton," she said. "I thought it would be an ideal site."

McLelland replied she was right in that synergy is important.

"The Bolton community is a wonderful community," he said.

Councillor Jason Payne said this is a vital piece of heritage that would have been a nice fit on Bolton's north hill.

Councillor Doug Beffort countered that the site selected in Caledon East is a good location.

Councillor Allan Thompson said the log house should be in a location where it will be used and appreciated.

"We must be cautious in what we decide," he said.

Councillor Richard Paterak said they need a business case and they need to evaluate how much assembly room they have in Bolton and Caledon East.

Council referred the redevelopment feasibility study to staff for a report and recommendations to be brought back to council in early 2008.

Council also requested staff arrange a meeting with the Albion-Bolton Historical Society, Caledon Heritage Foundation, Heritage Caledon, council, staff and E.R.A. Architects before the end of this year to discuss the feasibility study.