The proprietors of the former General Motors auto parts plant site have submitted an appeal against orders from the City of St. Catharines requiring them to either fix, replace, or tear down the buildings.
The owners, identified in the orders as a numbered company, were instructed by the city last month to repair, replace or secure all openings of the building to stop unauthorized access and remove or fix damaged and unsafe ceiling materials inside.
The city notified in an email on Monday that the orders had been appealed and that meetings for the property standards appeal committee are scheduled for June 25.
“No further action can occur until this appeal is heard,” stated Scott Rosts, corporate communications manager for the city.
The orders pertain to 282 and 285 Ontario St., where the old GM site is located, following complaints received about one of the properties according to Mayor Mat Siscoe.
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At that time, Siscoe mentioned that while these orders wouldn’t solve redevelopment issues at the site, he hoped they would “serve as the starting point for a constructive path forward.”
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. If not, the city suggested that owners might consider demolishing the buildings instead. The initial plan for redevelopment was proposed by Bay Shore Groups aiming to turn it into a retirement community featuring a trade school, residences, and biking or hiking trails along Twelve Mile Creek. However, first they intended to auction off equipment from the property before proceeding with demolition by 2015. Since its announcement in 2014, construction has seen minimal progress. In 2020, residents expressed “serious concerns” regarding property conditions and potential environmental issues according to city officials. The city has also initiated legal actions against the numbered corporation known as 2390541 Ontario Inc., due to violations related to Building Code Act and City Waste bylaws. The corporation pleaded guilty in provincial court in January 2022 on a total of 12 charges under those laws and was fined $60,000. This same numbered corporation is referenced in city’s orders. More on Canada More videos When these orders were issued initially, authorities indicated that failing to comply could result in monetary penalties or prosecution under Provincial Offences Act against property owners. Story continues below Additionally, actions have been taken at provincial level; St. Catharines NDP MPP Jennie Stevens introduced a motion last month urging province’s involvement in ensuring cleanup of this site. Stevens commented on Tuesday stating she will be observing what unfolds during appeal committee meeting. “The decision to appeal the City’s orders is disappointing,” she expressed via email. “The very fact that an appeal has been filed suggests a resistance to acknowledging the seriousness of the site’s condition and the need for meaningful remediation.” Environment Minister Todd Mc Carthy mentioned last month that his ministry’s enforcement branch may begin an investigation into this matter. The hearing concerning these orders will be open for public attendance and will take place in council chambers at city hall. & copy 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
