SWOX Township signs parkland lease agreement with developer

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

At its regular council meeting on Oct. 7, South West Oxford Township (SWOX) council authorized the mayor and the CAO/deputy clerk to sign a lease agreement with the developer, 1000182281 Ontario Inc., for the Mount Elgin Community Centre Parkland that was swapped with the developer on Sept. 19 in exchange for parkland on the west side of Mount Elgin.

This land swap included the exchange of nearly 3 acres of township-owned land from the east side of the Mount Elgin Community Centre with nearly three acres of subdivision land on the west side of Mount Elgin to facilitate the development of a new, larger park in the subdivision. The terms of the lease are from Sept. 19, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2031.

According to the lease agreement, the township will continue to operate and maintain the Mount Elgin Community Centre Parkland, which includes the baseball diamond, multi-purpose court and associated green space (with no rental fee payable) until future development proceeds on the community centre parkland property.

The township is permitted to keep any rental income generated through community use of these lands to support ongoing operations and maintenance.

The township is also responsible for all day-to-day operations, upkeep, and maintenance of the community centre parkland and will maintain $5 million general liability insurance naming the developer as an additional insured.

The lease may be terminated by the developer with 90 days’ written notice.

Other provisions include indemnity, compliance with laws, environmental responsibility and notice.

The rental agreement ensures the community will continue to have access to the parkland and recreational facilities at the Mount Elgin Community Centre until development on that property proceeds.