The City of St. Catharines has rejected an appeal from the owners of an old General Motors auto parts plant, but has allowed a 120-day period to fix, replace, or tear down the buildings on the property.
This decision followed a hearing that lasted over an hour, where various witnesses including city officials, former GM workers, and local residents discussed the problems associated with the site.
The owners, identified in compliance orders as a numbered company, were instructed by the city back in May to repair, replace or secure all openings in the building to prevent unauthorized access. They were also told to remove or fix any damaged or unstable ceiling materials inside.
The orders regarding 282 and 285 Ontario St. were issued after several complaints about the property came in, Mayor Mat Siscoe shared with at that time.
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During a hearing on June 27, Patrick Maloney, representing the mortgage holder managing the property, asked for a 60-day postponement of the meeting.
“This isn’t a straightforward matter. It’s not like dealing with a fridge or something simple in a basement. This is quite complex,” he explained to the committee. “If there’s going to be a demolition permit issued, it requires reports and structural evaluations along with applications.”
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. He pointed out that 21 days allotted- which bylaw officer Robert Davis mentioned is typical- is “not enough” time for the owner. Maloney recognized that while the city wants these property issues resolved quickly, “it can’t happen just like that.” Maloney also requested that during those 120 days, they postpone any rulings on orders for another 60 days so Celernus Investment Partners Inc., could have time to arrange and finish an engineering report. He stated that Celernus had already reached out to an engineering firm after receiving these orders. The property standards committee in St. Catharines denied his request for a two-month delay but did allow more time for compliance with those orders. The former GM site has numerous concerns needing attention as detailed by Davis during his testimony at this committee session. Story continues below Davis noted multiple “deficiencies” found at 282 Ontario St., such as collapsed roof sections, exposed interiors of buildings, significant corrosion and deterioration of steel structures along with unsecured openings. When inspecting 285 Ontario St., he reported issues like missing and crumbling brickwork along with partially collapsed parapets and wall sections as well as loose electrical and mechanical components hanging dangerously. More on Canada More videos Residents who spoke at this hearing urged committee members not to approve this appeal saying it was just a tactic used to stall cleanup efforts for this property. “The time is now; no more delays or excuses,” Ann-Marie Zammit emphasized. “The owner must be instructed to bring this property up to standards.” A few residents described what remains at this GM site as “surreal,” stressing further delays would only complicate matters more. “What exists on both sides of Ontario Street can only be described as surreal-a post-apocalyptic scene that feels less like an industrial area awaiting development and more like something from a fever dream,” Sabrina Hill remarked. Maloney argued that Celernus has been proactive stating they contacted an engineering firm for evaluation; they’ve set up patrols and fencing for better security too. He added they’ve already conducted a site inspection. Story continues below “In other words, Celernus hasn’t just sat idle without doing anything regarding these orders,” Maloney noted. The company now has until October 23rd to complete tasks outlined in those orders but can choose to appeal this decision through Ontario’s Superior Court if they wish. © 2026 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
