The old pool hall land will be sold after Stettler Town Council voted 5-1 to sell the land to Laurie Hoopfer for $21,000.
Director of Planning and Development Leann Graham, in her report to council during their regular meeting Aug. 7, said the land was valued at $42,840 but added that any new development would require significant engineering on the foundation, which could add more than $50,000 to typical foundation work. There was only one more bid from Dave Hargreaves and Cindy Jensen for $10,000.
Mayor Sean Nolls said although they’re selling the land for less than it’s valued he said the town could sit on it for a long time.
“It’s important we get this done and start recouping our costs through taxes.”
But Coun. Al Campbell disagreed and voted against the motion.
“That’s pretty cheap for front-street property. I think we should reject it until the market improves.”
Coun. Malcolm Fischer, however, said the town could end up spending a lot of money on the property if they keep the title.
“We can sit and wait until the cows come home but if there is a building there then we have tax income from that property. We should accept that offer.”
Coun. Cheryl Barros agreed.
“I don’t see it (economy) improving any time soon.”
Coun. Gord Lowlor was also in favour of the town selling the land saying, “the only thing worse than an eyesore is a hole.”
The town took ownership of the building and land in October 2017. In April the building was demolished and site work was completed in May.
The pool hall was built in 1920 by John Opitz. There was also a barber shop in the pool hall. In 1924 the bowling lanes were built in the basement and an addition was added to the back of the building.