Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph is requesting that part of the proceeds from the sale of a 20-acre lot along Niska Road be used for community benefits, as the property has been put up for sale for residential development.
Mayor Cam Guthrie, representing the city council, has asked the Grand River Conservation Authority to partner with Guelph in urging the province to allocate 30 percent of the expected sale proceeds, or an equivalent in-kind value, to support Guelph taxpayers.
This request comes after the GRCA decided in July to declare the roughly eight-hectare parcel surplus.
In a letter addressed to the GRCA board, Guthrie mentioned that while the city considered buying the property, it concluded that it lacked sufficient financial resources.
“The city formally requests, in alignment with city council direction, that the GRCA partner with the city to request of the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks an allocation of 30 per cent, or equivalent in-kind value of the anticipated proceeds of sale of the southeastern parcel of the Niska lands towards community benefit for Guelph taxpayers,” the letter states.
The property at 250 Niska Rd., located near Pioneer Trail and currently zoned for low and medium density residential development, is being promoted as a potential residential development site. Any future project will need appropriate planning and development approvals.
The City of Guelph notes that back in 1977, GRCA acquired around 116 acres along Niska Road for $300,000 intended for a proposed Hespeler Reservoir project which was later found unnecessary.
The city contributed about 30 percent toward this purchase through a municipal levy; while approximately 60 percent came from provincial funds and about 10 percent from GRCA. The city’s contribution did not grant it ownership rights over this land.
Guelph is seeking some share of these sale proceeds as recognition for its historical contribution and interest from residents regarding what was once known as Frank Kortright Waterfowl Management Area.
The city had previously tried to prevent development on this 20-acre parcel. According to officials, council instructed staff back in February to work on an official plan and zoning amendment aimed at redesignating this land for open space and park use.
This application was withdrawn in June after GRCA warned about potential legal action including appeals to Ontario Land Tribunal based on concerns expressed by them regarding this move.
Guthrie stated in July that while Guelph didn’t plan on purchasing this land outright, they hoped any eventual sale would yield benefits for local residents.
According to GRCA’s land disposition policy, they will choose a preferred offer based on both highest value as well as best terms and conditions. A public consultation period lasting 45 days will follow before preparing draft transaction notices needing approval by their board along with public notifications afterwards.
Meanwhile, Guelph continues efforts towards acquiring another separate section covering 126.16 acres within Niska lands from GRCA. If successful with this transfer process being completed soon enough then plans can include restoring previous trail networks while also ensuring public access alongside developing future uses accordingly here too within local communities involved together moving forward!
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