Carman town council is moving ahead with the expropriation of privately owned land adjacent to the Boyne Lodge. Officials gave first reading of the by-law at the latest council meeting.
    
Mayor Bob Mitchell explained the approximately 7 acres of bush land is needed for the personal care home expansion, noting an agreement with the landowner remains to be made.

"So now the recommendation from our lawyer is to get this in place and then proceed. And then (the landowner's) option is to sit with us and come up with a settlement or it'll go to the Land Value Appraisal Commission, which is the provincial entity that will then determine what the value of the property is and what the value of compensation will be."

Mitchell added he has no idea why it's taking so long to hash out an agreement, but noted the two sides have only met for discussions a few times.

He explained the Town has tried to reach an agreed upon settlement with the landowner but hasn't been met with much response. Currently, Council is waiting for appraisal results but Mitchell said this by-law is the natural next step for the community in the process.
    
"...Hopefully this will prompt people to sit down and discuss it. If not, then it just proceeds to the Commission."

Council will give second and third (final) reading to the by-law at a meeting scheduled for February 20, 2018.