Orangeville Ontario - Orangeville council heard a presentation from the Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle (DCCRC) during a regular meeting on 28 Nov 2022 where the organization asked to open a centre at the town's train station.
 
Council didn't make any formal decision on the matter and voted to have town staff bring forward a report at a future meeting with information on the implications and feasibility of such a move as well as a business case.
 
After the DCCRC's presentation, Coun. Debbie Sherwood said while she is thrilled with the passion and vision the organization has for a cultural centre, she does not think the train station is a good location.
 
"There's really nothing around there that draws people," she said.
 
Coun. Sherwood suggested somewhere in downtown Orangeville might be better suited for the DCCRC.
 
She also noted that the train station is one of the only significant pieces of real estate owned by the town.
 
Sharon Rigby of the DCCRC responded to Coun. Sherwood that an indigenous cultural centre needs some green space to do ceremonies so being downtown would be difficult.
 
She also raised parking as an issue, especially if the DCCRC hosts large events such as powwows.
 
DCCRC chair Debbie Egerton also said the train station is ideal as it will have a walking trail running through it that touches places other indigenous groups reside and there could be a tourism component.
 
Orangeville's interim CAO Ray Osmond agreed that a business case is needed to move forward, and recommended that council receive the presentation for information and have town staff review the DCCRC's business case.
 
He said when looking at the train station property, the town has to look at it in full while gathering feedback from stakeholders about what the best use of the lands would be.
 
Council took Osmond's advice and asked that town staff review the DCCRC's ask in its full context, review the business case, and bring back a report on next steps at a future meeting.
 
Sam Odrowski.