Eastern Charlotte has approved the purchase of the Research and Productivity Council (RPC) building on Mount Pleasant Road in St. George for $1.
Jason Gaudet, the chief administrative officer of Eastern Charlotte, said the building has been vacant since 2021.
“It’s actually been the subject of many different business proposals that we’ve offered the province,” he said during the recent regular meeting of council.
One of those proposals was a space for the childcare facility, according to documents obtained by The Courier. That building is now slated to be built on J.O. Spinney Drive.
Gaudet said the previous council rejected the RPC building because the location on J.O. Spinney Drive provided existing amenities such as a playground, sports field and splash pad. He said the new childcare facility would be purpose-built.
The former RPC building is now expected to be the new town hall.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Eastern Charlotte to acquire a significant building at an incredible value,” Mayor John Craig said on social media. “It is the council’s intention to transform this building into Eastern Charlotte’s Municipal Hall, finally providing a permanent home for council chambers.”
The council has been holding meetings at Magaguadavic Place in St. George following the amalgamation of several communities.
“This will also free up Magaguadavic Place for other community uses and eliminate the time and effort currently required to set up and take down meeting tables, sound equipment and other equipment for council meetings,” Craig said.
He said staff will eventually be moved into the new building once renovations are complete.
“Additionally, municipal staff offices will eventually be relocated to this building once government grants are secured to fund the necessary renovations,” he said.
Craig said it will free up much-needed space for the fire department and public works.
“For a price of just $1, this was a bargain council simply could not turn down,” he said.
