Church Pub issues getting close to being resolved

September 1, 2017 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
There are still some details to be sorted out, but it looks like the controversy involving the Church Pub in Palgrave is about to be resolved.
Terry Cuts and his partner Clarise Chauvin bought the building, which used to house St. Alban’s Anglican Church, in 2011 with the idea of opening a food establishment. But he ran into a number of roadblocks with the Town of Caledon, including the possibility of legal action.
“It’s coming to an end, I think” Cutts said Friday, “but it’s still not ended.”
“I can almost see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
But they have also had their supporters, including from patrons and the community.
That included the circulation of an on-line petition, which Cutts reported Friday had drawn about 950 signatures.
The petition noted the owners have spent the past five years and more than $130,000 “trying to comply with the Town’s many changing requirements.”
Those signing it stated they “are in full support of what Terry and Clarise are doing for our community. Palgrave is a better place because of their efforts.”
It also called on the Town to work with the business and do what is needed to solve the current issue and allow the pub to keep operating. It also called on the Town to withdraw all charges.
“We’re really close to resolving the issue,” Mayor Allan Thompson declared Saturday, commenting they have been able to determine what remaining requirements need to be complied with.
Thompson said he was glad to see the petition, adding he had told Cutts it could be very helpful if the matter went to court.
“You definitely need the community behind you,” he observed.
“I really care about small business,” he added. “It’s the backbone of the community.”