In a closed door meeting earlier this month, Cambridge City Council voted in favour of making an offer to purchase a building on Water Street south.

As part of a plan to revitalize the area along the Grand River, Doug Craig Mayor of Cambridge said, “it gives us access to the river, and we want to have a river connection to the river walk that we’re putting down at the water level.”

Wendi Yates is not happy about the proposed bid however, and what it could mean for her.

“They say they are a city that believes in entrepreneurs coming to the core, and revitalizing the core area, and they're throwing one of those entrepreneurs on to the street,” said Yates.

She runs C’est Cheese Please, and is concerned of the possibility of having to relocate.

Craig however, said if the building is purchased by the city, current tenants would be treated well.

“Her lease goes for another year. We will honour that and we will help them find other buildings in the downtown to move into,” said Craig.

Yates said she felt that the way the city bid on the property “was devious, and underhanded.”

She said she’s always felt that revitalizing downtown would be a, “great boom for the Galt city core.”

“They are tearing down buildings that have historically designated facades,” she said, and that she’s contemplated purchasing the building from her landlord, having it appraised last year.

“They have exceeded that offer by at least $150,000 plus costs,” Yates said when comparing her offer to that of the city’s.

Craig said the city is offering $350,000, and is confident that it is fair.

“We always do our own homework and our own appraisals -- we know it's fair market value, it's not overpriced” said Craig.