TRAIN STATION STILL HAS LIFE FOR SMALL GROUPS USE

LETTER TO EDITOR:

Thoughts on the future of the Gravenhurst train station.

The building is no longer feasible as a transportation centre.

The town should continue to support the heritage building.

The Trillium Court at the Opera House now is too expensive for small community groups to rent for meeting space (in the past it was rented for $40 for an evening meeting).

I don’t know what is there now as far as food prep, but it could serve as a place for lessons on food purchase and cooking tasty inexpensive meals. This would interface with GAP (Gravenhurst Against Poverty).

It could appeal to government programs such as Early Years programs, Moms Supporting Moms, Healthy Babies Healthy Children, Triple P Positive Parenting Programs, and Early On programs. The space is perfect for children to play and parents to participate.

It would take a year or two to become a constant in the community.

Or it could be put on the market for rent by small groups for instance, musicians could rent it for practice/performance space. (I have been approached by groups looking for such a place.)

Since it has easy access and ample parking space it could become popular with many groups if made known widely.

Most important to success would be renting it at a most reasonable rate as a community service.

There is a pent up demand in the community for cheap space from what I hear as I go about the community.

Increase rent for events looking to make a profit.

I am sure there are many ways to flesh out these thoughts.

The Town of Gravenhurst is considering proposals for the historic site, which is currently unoccupied, and may consider selling it.

There’s still lots of life left in the Gravenhurst Train Station if kept by the town and offered at reasonable rates to the public for smaller meetings or uses, writes a Gravenhurst resident who offers suggestions for repurposing it.