Fanshawe College wants the city to commit to $10 million in the next two weeks or the deal to purchase Kingsmill's department store might fall through.

That has upset Coun. Joe Swan, who says the city needs to take its time to ensure its decision is correct.

“We can't be pressured into making decisions that could ultimately turn out to be bad decisions. So we have to take our time. We have to make sure we do the right thing for taxpayers of London,” he says.

Fanshawe wants the funds to help transform the store into a college building.

A letter to council from the college is urging a quick decision.

"If the City of London decides against this additional investment in the downtown campus, the college will need to revisit its business plan to assess the feasibility of the downtown expansion relative to other capital investment priorities and opportunities," it reads.

Last month, Fanshawe unveiled its plan to bring 1,600 students downtown by renovating the Kingsmill's building. But it would require $10 million from the city above the $20 million already committed. 

The college also wants permission to change some of the heritage elements of the building or the purchase won’t proceed.

Fanshawe’s conditional offer on the building expires in early August.

Mayor Joni Baechler says she isn’t feeling pressured and staff have already looked into this.

“We are here to make decisions. We are not here to delay and refer back,” she says.

“All members of council have had ample opportunity to look at the plan. Ample opportunity to sit down with Fanshawe College to ask their questions. Ample opportunity to talk to our financial staff.”

Fanshawe’s vice-president of administration says due diligence has already been done.

“We have provided extensive information about the due diligence that we have undertaken. We believe that the business plan as provided is comprehensive,” Bernice Hull says.

Swan wants the same opportunity.

“I think it needs a business case. I think it needs a due diligence report and we have to have some public participation meetings to ensure this is truly in the interest of all of us in London.”

The report goes to the Corporate Services Committee on Tuesday and will go to council at month’s end.