MEDIA RELEASE: Trent Lakes’ Municipal Council seek resident proposals for future of community hall

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Trent Lakes’ Municipal Council seek resident proposals for future of previous community hall

May 25, 2023 [TRENT LAKES, ON] - As of today, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and its Council are accepting proposals for the usage of the building on Deer Bay School Road, previously known as Deer Bay Hall.

Built in 1898 and upgraded to cement block in 1930, the building is located just outside of Buckhorn on Deer Bay School Road, at the end of the street. The building operated as a school (Deer Bay School) until 1968 when it was sold to the Municipality.

Since then, it has been used as a community centre, community care hub, and a women's shelter, among other things to support the community. It has been vacant the past several years due to the need for renovations.

Recent interest led to a Council decision at the March 21, 2023 meeting to accept proposals from residents looking to utilize the building.

Applicants are required to provide a comprehensive usage proposal accompanied by a formal delegation to Council. Only those applications that complete a usage proposal and elect a delegate to present the proposal will be considered.

Presentations to Council will take place on November 8, 2023 at 9 a.m. during a Special Meeting of Council.

“We are looking forward to finding the best solution for this building,” says Dylan Cosh, Director of Recreation and Facilities with the Municipality of Trent Lakes. “It is in a favourable location near Buckhorn and has great opportunity.”

The proposal process will ensure the Municipality considers all possibilities to make a decision that will have the greatest benefit to the Trent Lakes’ community.

The merit of the submitted proposal will be based on its ability to answer questions including:

What is the cultural/social value?
How will it benefit the Municipality?
What community support is there for the proposed usage?
What amenities are necessary for the proposed usage (e.g. A/C, high voltage circuitry, appliances, office space, AV equipment, etc.)
Who will manage operations?
What are the financial implications?
Is it expected to generate income? How? For whom?

Applicants must submit their comprehensive usage proposal no later than October 20, 2023 at 11:55 p.m. in order to be considered. Proposals will be accepted on the Municipal website at: https://www.trentlakes.ca/en/play/deer-bay-hall-usage-proposal.aspx

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Contact:
Dylan Cosh
Director of Recreation & Facilities
Municipality of Trent Lakes
705-738-3800 ext. 227
dcosh@trentlakes.ca

About the Municipality of Trent Lakes

The Municipality of Trent Lakes is located in the Northwest corner of the County of Peterborough. Trent Lakes has a balance of small residential and rural areas with a beautiful natural heritage of forests, rivers and lakes, and an abundance of Crown lands. Excellent recreational activities, an appealing assortment of restaurants, small businesses and a great sense of community is what makes Trent Lakes particularly special. Visit https://www.trentlakes.ca/