The following letter from Tom Thomson Art Gallery Board Chair Linda Myles-Gallinger concerning purchasing the old Courthouse is on the agenda at the regular meeting of City Council on Monday, May 2.  The Gallery had expressed interest in repurposing the  building on 3rd Avenue East in 2015, but it was sold last July to Southbridge Care Homes for a nominal $10.

The 19th century heritage bulding was not destined to be a long-term care facility - Southbridge exercised a buy-back clause in their agreement in March this year, stating the site was "too constrictive" to meet their plans.

The art collection of the TOM belongs to the City of Owen Sound.

Dear Mayor Boddy

On behalf of the Board of Management of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, I am writing to express our

interest in submitting an offer for the purchase of the former Courthouse and Jail as the site of our new

gallery.

In the terms of our offer, we will request a period of time during which we will carry out a due diligence process associated with the Courthouse and Jail.

We appreciate your consideration of our request. We will prepare the Agreement of Purchase as soon as we receive the approval of the City.

We look forward to your reply.