By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—Omar Aboya, a Toronto-based businessman who lives in Hagersville, is not impressed with Haldimand County’s plans to utilize the in-development Library + Active Living Centre in Hagersville for both general public usage and private bookings. Aboya believes the centre should be available for public use first and foremost, which has led him to create the Haldimand Citizen’s Association (HCA) to raise awareness over this concern.
“I started the association because citizens like myself can be aware and have a say on what is taking place in the community,” said Aboya, adding that the current members of HCA are concerned private bookings could mean “the basketball and pickleball courts will not be available to our children on weekends, which is when they need it the most. The only entertainment they have in town right now is going to Circle K and Timmy’s.”
He continued, “This is a community centre being set up for the community to be used by the community…. There should be a balance in the schedule to accommodate events and the community members.”
The new centre was originally brought to Council by former Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte, who continues to serve as Chair of the Fundraising Committee raising the required community donations to bring the project to reality. He shared his thoughts on Aboya’s concerns.
“The intention has always been that this will be both a recreation and community centre for Hagersville, serving residents of all ages and abilities. That includes offering spaces for programming as well as private rentals – such as weddings and family celebrations – much like those which were accepted at the Hagersville Community Centre,” he explained. “This is a great thing for the community as residents and visitors will continue to have all the services they had in the community hall, but will also have the added benefit of multi-functional recreation, leisure, and wellness in one convenient location.”
Current Ward 4 Councillor Natalie Stam also weighed in on the HCA’s existence and concerns, stating, “The County is always encouraged when residents want to get involved in major projects and initiatives.… I have spoken with Omar, as have staff through email, on multiple occasions. Since November we have been responding to the questions and concerns raised by Omar and the HCA, including suggesting the group meet with myself and staff. To date, we are still waiting for the group to provide us with a day and time that suits them.”
She echoed Dalimonte’s expectations on the planned uses for the hub: “The intention has always been that this will be a multi-generational, multi-functional facility for both recreation programming and community activities. Aside from being a space for all types of leisure, wellness, and cultural activities, the Active Living Centre will serve as Hagersville’s new community centre, including being available for private rentals (family events, weddings, etc.), as well as community events.”
If such rentals are to continue, Aboya said he has asked the County to specify what financial return can be expected, but said he was told that such calculations are not available yet.
“How was this huge expense approved without even having projections for the future?” questioned Aboya, also questioning the potential rising costs of the project in the face of general increases in construction costs.
He added, “We go ahead and spend millions of taxpayers dollars without knowing whether this centre will be financially sustainable.… Politicians cannot take taxpayers hard-earned money and spend it without transparency and keep raising taxes.”
Stam countered, “The County has been actively developing the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project since it was approved through the 2021 Capital Budget. This includes extensive community consultation over the past 18 months about the design and functionality of the facility, creation of a Community Fundraising Committee that has already raised more than $1.5 million toward this wonderful asset, and a dedicated County webpage with ongoing updates about the progress of the project.”
Stam said that despite Aboya’s criticisms, the project is moving forward on schedule.
“The updates from staff are very encouraging…. Staff are evaluating the bids for the consultant who will be developing the architectural design and engineering. Part of that process will include a period of community consultation to finalize the details of the building,” she added, noting that work will also include “a detailed costing of the project’s design and engineering.”
Clearly the County’s response has not helped alleviate Aboya’s issues with the project.
“The usage of the community centre must be decided with proper consultation of the citizens and with proper financial projections. There will be no ‘sweeping under the rug’ of any issues,” he said. “If the County does not agree to our children being able to play to on weekends … then I will make this association 10,000 strong and then they will listen!”
Aboya is seeking residents to join HCA and have a “100% (not 99.99%) say in the community we live in. A way to help ensure that this and future projects will be for the good of the community as a whole, not for political interests.”
Stam said she is more than willing to consult with the HCA and address their concerns, including through an in-person meeting once HCA provides potential dates and times.
