The story of the park purchase, donation, (conditions surrounding the donation if any)

In 1986 The Municipality of Aldborough purchased the lands to support the Aldborough Old Boys Association (AOBA) the Municipality retained ownership, and the AOBA managed the park operations. In 1990, the Municipality and the ABOA signed a ten-year agreement allowing the ABOA first right options to purchase the land if the Municipality decided to sell the land. In 1999 the Municipality of West Elgin assumed the operation of the park when the ABOA could no longer manage park operations.

Was the land donated?

There is no formal agreement to identify the lands received as a donation. There are no conditions placed on title of the of the land for it to remain as a park.

Current property tax structure vs what it would be in private hands. 

72% of the park’s assessment value is excluded from taxation. Upon its sale, the property would be reassessed with a potential taxation increase of between $5K - $8K/ year.

Why does West Elgin want to sell the park?

The primary reason for the Municipality’s decision to sell the trailer park is balancing the cost and demands of operating the trailer park, and our ability to focus on essential infrastructure and services, such as water, sewer, stormwater management, roads, and bridges. Running a trailer park diverts time, resources, and financial investment away from these critical responsibilities.

Provincial transfers and other fundings are not increasing while costs are. Council is choosing to make difficult yet responsible decisions about what we must look after for the tax payor vs what could operate in a similar fashion without West Elgin's investment of time, money, and resources.

What benefit is there to West Elgin by not owning the park?

The demands on resources, both financial and operational led to the decision to declare the Port Glasgow Trailer Park as surplus. Financially we anticipate within three years the cost of general operations and management of the park will fall onto the levy (general tax base). Operationally, the municipality dedicates approximately 520 administrative hours, 1,560 hours for onsite staffing, plus contracted service for maintenance support per seasons. This staffing support occurs during our prime time for constructions and development projects. Redirecting staff hours would support the maintenance and growth of our community.

Why lack of communication and transparency with residents of West Elgin & the park around the decision? 

Both the current and previous Councils debated the decision to declare the lands as surplus. Council announced its’ decision to declare the Port Glasgow Trailer Park lands as surplus at the October 24, 2024, meeting, followed up by delegation presentations at Council on November 14, 2024, and the final report to Council on December 19, 2024.

Was the economic impact to West Elgin taken into consideration prior to the decision deeming it surplus?

The Municipality would prefer that a private or cooperative ownership maintain the park; economic benefits would be the same for West Elgin businesses.

This decision is about long-term sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Selling the trailer park will ensure the direction of municipal resources towards services and infrastructure that benefits the entire community, rather than maintaining a non-core asset that requires significant future investment. Supporting critical infrastructure will have a positive impact on our ability to support future growth and economic development.

Why sell a park that is making money?

The trailer park may appear profitable on paper, the reality is that the park requires significant investments to maintain compliance with AODA and keep the facility in good condition.

Two major capital projects requiring immediate attention.

• Reconstruction new stairs to the beach (estimated cost $400,000 -$500,000)
• AODA compliant washrooms with showers (estimated cost of $50,000 - $100,000)

The combined cost of these projects will use approximately half of the existing reserves accumulated over 24 years. The Municipality anticipates that within 3 years the current revenue from the park will not be sufficient to cover both operating and capital costs.

What happens if the Port Glasgow residents do not purchase the park?

If Port Glasgow seasonal renters do not purchase the park. Council has options to consider including:

• Selling the park on the open market.
• Keeping the park as surplus land and seeking alternative use for the land.

Will/could the park be rezoned?

Based on the Port Glasglow Secondary Plan options for any rezoning would be limited to seasonal residential uses, making the current use the highest and best use of the property.

*Revised, March 6, 2025