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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 19, 2007 - 3 Metrus helps Bronte Historical Society operate Continued from page 1 the school. All work has been done in consultation with historical experts to ensure it accurately reflects the time period. The society has also applied for a $135,000 Trillium grant for necessary retrofits that will make the Town-owned building accessible and bring it into compliance with fire code regulations. But last week, when the official lease agreement came to the Town's Administrative Services committee for final approval, several councillors suddenly backed away from the deal. On Monday night, members of the TTHS came to Town council armed with photos, letters of support and a business plan outlining how the facility could provide a needed educational centre, as well operate as a community hub for northeast Oakville. It will also become the official home of the historical society and house archives related to the history of Trafalgar Township. "We have to look more at our history and the buildings we can save. It's too important to let it go," said TTHS president Gord Kaiting, whose family was one of the original settlers of Trafalgar Township in 1806. "I don't think there's any organization out there that can better take care of this building." The plea was echoed by Barbara Ann McAlpine, who spoke on behalf of the Bronte Historical Society. "The schoolhouse is a designated historical building, and to us, the most obvious steward of the building is the TTHS," she told councillors. Town councillors who had opposed the approval of the TTHS lease last week cited a number of concerns, including the propriety of the non-profit organization seeking donated services from companies such as Bot Construction and Mattamy Homes. However, McAlpine noted that the operating costs for the Sovereign House ­ which acts as headquarters for the Bronte Historical Society and is leased from the Town under a similar agreement ­ were recently covered for a five-year period with a financial grant from Metrus Developments. "(The TTHS) has already saved the Town staff time and money with its volunteer work and the grants it has received from the private sector," she noted. Former Town councillor Mike Lansdown also cited a number of Town initiatives that have been supported by private corporations, including property developers. After hearing more than a "I make no apologies for being married to one of Oakville's best volunteers. I make zero apologies for my involvement with the TTHS." Councillor Jeff Knoll, Ward 5 half-dozen supportive delegations, council agreed to approve the schoolhouse lease, but asked Town staff to undertake a coordinated review of leasing arrangements with all three of the Town's historical societies in 2012. The schoolhouse issue has also given rise to a debate over the involvement of councillors or their family members with nonprofit organizations in the town. Ward 5 Councillor Jeff Knoll's wife Michelle is a member of the volunteer board of directors of TTHS, an issue that was raised at the Administrative Services Committee last week. On Monday, councillors agreed to ask Town staff to develop a policy that would address the participation of councillors and their family members as members of groups or associations that may receive contracts or other approvals from the Town. The Municipal Act dictates that politicians must declare a conflict of interest if they could realize some financial or personal gain as a result of a town decision. However, there are no rules saying they can't participate in discussions or decisions regarding non-profit organizations they may support or hold membership in. Several Town councillors suggested it might be helpful to have guidelines outlining how council should deal with such a situation, in the future. But the suggestion raised the ire of Ward 1 Councillor Ralph Robinson. Among his many volunteer involvements in Bronte, Robinson has helped organize the Terry Fox run for the last 23 years. "I feel there's something wrong with the Town of Oakville telling a citizen of Oakville what they can or cannot do in this town," he said. While Knoll supported the request for a staff report, he said it was unfortunate that the request was made as part of the discussion around the schoolhouse, as it creates an impression there was some wrongdoing around his wife's involvement with the historical society. "I make no apologies for being married to one of Oakville's best volunteers," he said. "I make zero apologies for my involvement with the TTHS." Last week, Knoll had noted his family stood to gain no personal benefit from the schoolhouse restoration, aside from seeing the local community improved. He also suggested councillors play a leadership role in the community and should be widely involved with associations seeking to improve Oakville. "I would daresay that amongst the 13 of us and our 13 spouses, we virtually touch every organization in this town," Knoll noted. Reduce Reuse Recycle VISIT US ONLINE Scooters Gets Your Skate Roller ARE T WE MOS ! S N OPE LIDAY HO Wheels in Motion! Having A Christmas Party? Scooter's Roller Palace hosts corporate & family parties. We have 20,000 square feet of space, great for large parties of 5-600. Plan a party that your family or co-workers will not soon forget! 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