A out-of-the-box solution has been found with respect to the fate of the former Nun's residence at 701 - 99th Street, south of the Chapel Gallery.
According to a city memo dated April 19 from parks and recreation director Keith Anderson, the city had feared that it would be forced to demolish the building and send the demolition waste to the landfill. Attempts were made on two separate occasions to sell the building, both unsuccessful.
But a decision has been made by a city committee to sell the building to Andrew and Linda Fehr for a token $1,000. They plan to renovate the building on site and then move it to a rural location by the end of August.
The bid was accepted by an informal committee of the city manager, building inspector and city planner. They had also considered an alternative bid by Rays Building Movers that would have seen the building stored at the north end of Fairview Park.
As well there had been talk that the Battlefords Historical Society might take over the property as a possible museum, but Anderson told council they are now looking at a different building.
In his memo, Anderson said the decision "recycles an old structure, keeps it out of the landfill and eliminates a liability concern for the City. The purchaser will be advised to secure insurance while the renovation is going on."
Anderson also states in his memo that reclamation of the site will remain a city responsibility and this is accounted for in the 2011 budget.
