The restoration or replication of the log cabin in Canatara Park will be reviewed again by Sarnia's heritage committee.
Four delegations, including two past presidents of the Seaway Kiwanis Club with opposing views, spoke to the issue at Monday's council meeting.
Former president Paul Beaudet, not representing the club, pleaded for its restoration.
"The log cabin is believed to be the oldest pre-confederation building in Lambton County," said Beaudet. "It is in our humble submission, and absolute imperative, that the cabin be restored and preserved."
While past president Donna Kelso, spoke on behalf of the club, saying they've always focused on rebuilding the cabin because it was determined restoration was too expensive before they became involved.
"It has always been stated that if it's a rebuild, we're in. If it's a restoration we're out," said Kelso.
Kelso told council the club has committed $50,000 to the $100,000 rebuild, which she said will produce an identical looking building.
"It will have the windows, the doors, some of the inside beams and the copper eavestroughs removed before it's demolished and then those pieces will be refurbished and included in the new building. So, part of the original structure will still be in that building.," she said.
Kelso said the doors will also be widened to make the cabin accessible for wheelchairs.
She said the issue would be discussed further at the club's board meeting this Wednesday.
Councillor Mike Stark, also a former president of the club, expressed concern over the divided front from club members and encouraged more cooperation.
"I have to tell you, this really concerns me that we have a group, the Seaway Kiwanis, that have been so active, so contributing to this community, to see a fracture like this within the membership, really concerns me," said Stark.
The building was originally owned by Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hanna, a former MPP and president of Imperial Oil, and donated to the city by Lorne Hay, a former builder and city alderman.
Council will receive a recommendation from the heritage committee at its next regular meeting February 11.