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Midwestern

Tom Thomson Gallery Board Disappointed after City Sells Old Courthouse

Owen Sound's historical courthouse building will not be the new home of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

It was announced Tuesday that the city has sold the building and it will be converted to a long term care facility.

Gallery board chair Linda Myles-Gallinger says it's a disappointment but they'll move forward.

Gallery officials had hoped the city would turn over the old courthouse building so they could convert it to a new and revamped art gallery. However Myles-Gallinger says they support the Owen Sound council's decision and will look for another location.

"I believe that when one door closes another will open so I'm excited about the future for the art gallery, I'm excited about the future of Owen Sound, I really am. Now we look forward," said Myles-Gallinger.

The Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce supports City Council’s decision to accept the offer of purchase from Southbridge Care Homes of the former Grey County courthouse and jail for its redevelopment as a long-term care facility.

Chamber chair Debbie McKague states that, “this was not an easy decision as the proposal by the Tom Thompson Art Gallery to develop this property for a new gallery was both exciting and visionary. The Chamber looks forward to working with the Gallery in exploring other options and helping to see their vision become a reality."

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