Simple Investor Real Estate Group (SIREG) Management Inc. owns the property at 700 Parkhill Road West, which consists of 10 two-storey residential townhomes with 128 three-bedroom rental units. SIREG wants to convert the rental units to condominiums. (Photo: Google Maps) A real estate management firm’s appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) regarding Peterborough city council’s rejection of its application to change rental units into condominiums has progressed slightly, but a hearing date is still not set as both sides haven’t come to an agreement on key issues. Representatives for Burlington-based Simple Investor Real Estate Group (SIREG) and the City of Peterborough took part in a virtual OLT case management conference on Thursday (May 7). Presided over by OLT vice-chair Shannon Braun, the conference included city solicitor Scott Seabrooke, city director of planning, development and urban design Brad Appleby, city planner Ian Walker, and city councillor Matt Crowley from whose ward the townhouse complex is situated, along with lawyer Matthew A. Di Vona representing SIREG. Only Braun, Seabrooke, and Di Vona spoke during this meeting. – content continues below
City raised concerns about rental stock and affordable housing when denying application
In June 2025, SIREG submitted a complete draft plan for converting the rental units at 700 Parkhill Road West into condominiums. Four years prior, they purchased what’s known as Parkhill Place-10 two-storey residential townhomes containing 128 three-bedroom units. SIREG indicated in its application that it would keep managing the property while selling off the three-bedroom units to private investors who would continue renting them out to existing tenants. During a public meeting held by city council on December 1 under the Planning Act, they reviewed a staff report suggesting that council should deny SIREG’s application. City planner Ian Walker informed council that allowing this conversion could potentially lead to a long-term reduction of 17 percent in available three-bedroom rental units within the city and didn’t guarantee ongoing affordable rent rates or purchase prices for those units. The council subsequently voted in favor of this recommendation during their December 8 meeting, officially ratifying it with an unanimous vote of 11-0. At that session, SIREG lawyer Jasdeep Dhillon told council there was “a good possibility” they would appeal to OLT if council upheld its earlier decision. SIREG proceeded with its appeal in January. – content continues belowCase management conference aims to tackle procedural matters
During Thursday’s meeting, Braun clarified that the purpose of a case management conference “is simply to address procedural issues and organize for a hearing on the merits that will come later.” This includes discussing potential settlements or mediation opportunities, identifying issues at hand, drafting procedural orders, determining possible start dates and length for hearings as well as guidelines for submitting witness lists and expert statements before any hearing takes place. “We are not here today to debate the merits of the application but rather achieve objectives like figuring out how long any future hearing might need or dealing with status requests,” Braun explained. She mentioned that OLT had received an interest request from Jen Lacey-a tenant at 700 Parkhill who opposes SIREG’s proposal. Lacey raised several concerns about this application; she fears current tenants may be forced out of their homes since about 40 percent of these units qualify as affordable housing. Additionally she argued new tenants wouldn’t have eviction protections post-conversion and that turning these properties into condos wouldn’t add more housing options in Peterborough while negatively affecting local rentals since those proposed conversions make up around 17 percent of all three-bedroom rentals available in town. Braun confirmed with Di Vona and Seabrooke they had no objections regarding Lacey being granted participant status “as the tribunal is satisfied that she has a genuine interest in proceedings and her statement can help inform future merit hearings.” Braun then asked whether both parties had discussed settling some disputed items or considered mediation offered by tribunals after confirming they met but hadn’t reached an agreement nor needed mediation yet decided against it she moved forward onto agreeing upon what constitutes their “issues list.” – content continues belowDisagreements over issues list delay scheduling a hearing date
Di Vona pointed out there wasn’t consensus yet between both sides concerning issue lists stating while cities broadly identified SIREG’s condo conversion did not meet official plans further specifics weren’t given explaining why such decisions were made according him he preferred his version which provided clearer details than Seabrooke’s document thus encouraging continued cooperation aimed toward reaching mutual understanding necessary approval from tribunal was also emphasized here. She acknowledged having seen neither updates nor revisions sent recently pertaining directly related contents surrounding specific topics thus reiterated importance needing clarity so everyone involved could prepare adequately ahead time. Afterward when asked if setting an actual date seemed plausible given lack consensus present conditions remained uncertain clearly indicated readiness working collaboratively attempting resolve discrepancies without escalating tensions unnecessarily among involved representatives themselves. When seeking clarification regarding timeframe estimates required establishing suitable timelines allowed scope identify witnesses testify determine disciplines knowledge bases relevant expertise overall process likely unfold throughout duration discussions between parties facilitated strong outcomes respectively cooperative efforts displayed mutual respect demonstrated throughout entire procedure being undertaken carefully planned thoughtfully executed ensuring accountability transparency maintained throughout entire endeavor taking place accordingly improving trust levels relations stakeholders thereafter leading future collaborations achieved progressively successful nature overall interactions shared experiences gained collectively moving onward. – content continues below As conclusion arrived wrapping concluded summary was clear indicating no agreements formed yet existing differing perspectives still existed noted encourages continuous exchanges amongst participants seek further guidance whenever possible through emails available consults addressing inquiries effectively making sure kept communication open uphold standards professionalism maintaining integrity respect towards one another reminding ethical responsibilities shared approach work together collaboratively productive solutions emerge successfully navigating complex terrains disputes arising naturally progressing resolutions align interests goals desired serving communities best interests !Second case management conference scheduled for June if no agreement is reached
Conclusively suggested making arrangements soon thereafter discuss potential dates second round meetings ensure timely responses accommodated appropriately communicating willingness maintain momentum optimize efficiency achieve desirable outcomes ultimately benefiting lives those served respective organizations involved remaining focused priorities guiding principles underpinning motivations aspirations driving pursuits forward fostering environments flourishing goodwill reflecting highest ideals aspirations seek inspire empower uplift support others promoting positive societal transformations enabled success stories written collaborative journeys embraced wholeheartedly affirming every step taken counts immensely building brighter futures built foundation dreams realized dedication passion perseverances encountered united through challenges faced overcoming obstacles strengthened relationships formed enduring connections meaningful partnerships forged journeying greatness bringing countless rewards satisfaction fulfillment derived witnessing progress unfolding beautifully enriching lives inspired hope create impact memories cherished forever !Source link
