The Old Post Inn, the oldest structure in Ajax, will be relocated and restored. Located on Hwy. 2, east of Salem Road, the inn was built in the 1830s and was used as a stage-coach stop.

The inn will be converted to a commercial use and will have 26 parking spots, "enough for a restaurant," Mr. Muller noted.

Mayor Steve Parish said of the Old Post Inn, "Obviously it's essential this building is preserved.

"We had the experience of the McKay house sitting in a derelict state for a long period," he added.

The McKay house is next to the movie theatres at Pickering Beach Road and Hwy. 2. After years of sitting unused, it was refurbished and is now a financial services office.

Mr. Muller noted the house has to be moved early in the process to make way for servicing.

The inn had been used as an apartment, with six units inside. After Runnymede bought the building, the tenants were moved out.

Rodger Miller, of Runnymede, said the company has had "a number of inquiries" from businesses wanting to use the Old Post Inn. "Most of the inquiries are day-care users. I hope council will see it as a sensitive use."

Mayor Parish suggested having the restoration completed by Sept. 30 of next year.

Mr. Miller said that wouldn't give the company much time, noting engineering and design work for the subdivision would run through the winter. "We won't likely get on site until May or June."

"Perhaps 2009 might be more appropriate," Mr. Miller said.

Committee members adopted Sept. 30, 2009 as the deadline to have the exterior of the inn restored.

"A lot of work has to be done after we pick up the building and move it. Our commitment isn't to be questioned," Mr. Miller said, adding the company has deposited securities to do the work.

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Thank God! I was getting really worried about Post Inn. I wonder if they will restore it accurately inside? It will be interesting to see them peel the siding off the building to see how well the brick work is preserved.