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DEPUTATION BY CATHY COLEBATCH CONCERNING MOTION 22-G-006, HOLLY COMMUNITY CENTRE NAMING RIGHTS
Councillor N. Harris stated that in consultation with the Integrity Commissioner regarding her Code obligations, including those that arise under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, she does not have a pecuniary interest in the matter that requires her to abstain from voting on this matter. In accordance with her obligations under the Council and Committee Code of Conduct and upon advice of the Integrity Commissioner, she did not participate or vote on the foregoing matter. She left the virtual City Council meeting.
Cathy Colebatch provided a Deputation concerning motion 22-G-006 with respect Holly Community Centre Naming Rights.
Ms. Colebatch recognized the Peggy Hill Team for its sponsorship to the renaming of the Holly Community Centre and the integral part the Peggy Hill Team contributions to the community by sponsoring organizations such as the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, Barrie Food Bank, Autism Ontario, Gilda’s Club and Hospice Simcoe.
Ms. Colebatch discussed her concerns with the renaming of the Holly Community Centre that included the significance, cultural relevance, and long history of the “Holly” name. She provided an overview of the history of the “Holly” name dating back to the mid 1800s, a small farming community, general store, church, post office and World War I veterans.
Ms. Colebatch suggested possible compromises such as opening the sponsorship naming to the interior of the building like the arena, aquatic fitness, and youth center, the Peggy Hill Team to consider a variation of internal sponsorships instead of the exterior, consideration of adding “Holly” within the Peggy Hill Team naming, and/or public engagement by listing three choices through a contest to obtain public consensus.
Ms. Colebatch questioned if the proceeds from the agreement will be allocated to the Operating Budget, help reduce taxes, be invested into the Community Centre itself, what the community benefits associated with the sponsorship are, when the agreement expires, and whether it will be renewed or go through another renaming process.
Members of Council asked a number of questions to Ms. Colebatch and received responses.