It met with some resistance, but in the end Pelham council decided it will sell most of the property it owns on Rice Road and Regional Road 20.

In a recorded 4-3 vote, Pelham councillors recommended to dispose of the whole parcel of 13 hectares (32.12 acres), keeping two hectares (five acres) for a stormwater facility for future development in east Fonthill. Supporting the decision to sell were Mayor Dave Augustyn, Coun. Peter Papp, Coun. Debbie Urbanowitz, Coun. Malcolm Allen. Voting against the decision were Coun. John Durley, Coun. Sharon Cook and Coun. Dave Emmons.

The property in question was purchased by the town in 2005 for the purpose of accommodating future community, cultural and recreational facilities.

Cook called it the single most important decision council must make.

"This opportunity will never present itself again," she said, "It would be an absolute shame to dispose of this land given the needs of the community."

"It is the gateway to this community and all would benefit."

Augustyn disagreed, however, saying the vision for the property is outdated, stressing the importance of having a walkable community where everyone could participate.

"We need to provide value for our taxes," he said, warning council that the construction of such a facility on the land would mean a huge increase for property taxes and would stop all other future municipal development.

Papp said that he would like to see an overall plan that is consistent with smart growth and therefore he cannot continue to hold on.

"I think it needs to be put out on the market," he said.

Urbanowitz told council when she agreed to purchase the land it was only if it "did not cost the taxpayer anything."

The property has $851,000 in interest payments and is costing the average taxpayer about $65 per year.

Allen told council that looking at what a consultant proposed regarding the 30-year-old arena "made no sense to me whatsoever."

"Yes we all know it needs some work, but I have a real difficulty when we just walk away from a facility," he said.

Allen said he did not understand why the 2008 feasibility study recommended the town needs two "NHL-sized" arenas and did not include facilities such as smaller arenas for a younger population or a curling rink for seniors. He also said the town's population is not growing by 15 to 18 per cent so there was not a need for new facilities. "We need to look at things we have and how we can improve them," he said.

Emmons however disagreed saying building such a facility on this land gives Pelham the opportunity to partner with other municipalities to build needed facilities. "If we dispose of this land we're at their mercy and we put it in their backyards," he said.

Durley said that he felt "it would be a drastic error to give up on this piece of land." He said it is the last large piece of land the town would own within the urban boundary. The mayor warned council that the debate was not over a twin-pad arena, though it was certainly an option for the land.

"The debate is on property and the vision for the community," he said.

Council did not discuss how the land would be sold, though part of the property has been offered for the Niagara Regional Police headquarters.

The recommendation to sell the property will go to the regular town council meeting on Tuesday, May 20, and a report on town facilities will come to council on June 2.