Niagara’s regional government has stated that a suggestion for its public health department to get involved in the environmental assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of a former General Motors property in St. Catharines is beyond its jurisdiction.
St. Catharines regional Coun. Haley Bateman mentioned on Monday that she intended to propose a motion at the council meeting on June 25 to require input from public health’s environmental division, claiming this would reassure residents that the redevelopment of the old industrial site is being handled properly. She added that having their oversight would help make sure any risks are communicated clearly.
However, Bateman noted on Thursday that she had been informed by the regional clerk’s office that officials, including acting regional chair Barbara Greenwood, decided it was not within the region’s authority and that her motion would not proceed.
Bateman criticized this decision, arguing that air quality, environmental hazards, and community health effects are all tied to public health’s responsibilities.
Councillor hears from concerned residents ‘daily’
“I receive calls and emails daily from residents who are concerned about the former GM lands,” Bateman said in a news release. “Public health should be actively involved in ensuring safety for neighborhoods, schools, parks, recreational facilities and residential areas surrounding the General Motors site.”
In 2010, GM halted production at the site after 80 years and sold it to developer Bay Shore Groups in 2014 for $12.5 million.
Halton-based wealth management firm Celernus Investment Partners Inc. later stated it has taken over as the mortgage holder for the Ontario Street property and is managing it actively.
“When GM sold the Ontario Street property in 2014, it was in good condition and met Ontario and municipal requirements,” GM spokesperson Marie Binette said in an earlier email to CBC Niagara.
Company appeals recent property standards order
Nevertheless, environmental assessments conducted on the site in 2010 and 2012-which obtained through freedom-of-information requests-identified contaminants present in both soil and groundwater.
In late May, city officials issued a property standards order to an Ontario numbered company requiring repairs or demolition of deteriorating structures on-site after receiving complaints from residents which prompted a city inspection.
The orders highlighted buildings with collapsed or damaged ceilings posing hazards from falling debris; loose electrical components; exterior structural supports; steel showing advanced corrosion; visible deterioration; along with debris, rubble, loose bricks and broken glass scattered across the property.
The work orders included a compliance deadline set for June 12.
Paul Chudoba, manager of bylaw enforcement for the city remarked on Tuesday that property owners appealed this order to the property standards appeal committee on June 10. The committee will review this appeal at its meeting scheduled for June 25.
This appeal means that currently there’s no action required based on the property standards order according to Chudoba.
Bateman emphasized that revitalizing the old GM site represents one of Niagara’s biggest redevelopment opportunities while its ongoing decline has raised concerns among locals for years.
If passed, her motion would have allowed public health involvement during planning talks about remediation efforts as well as reviewing environmental studies while identifying potential health issues alongside local partners like provincial authorities and conservation bodies to ensure adherence with environmental laws during cleanup activities</p.
Medical officer of health wants to ‘reassure residents’
“Residents deserve clear, accessible information about what is happening on this site and how it may affect their neighborhoods,” Bateman stated. “The remediation of the former GM site will have lasting impacts on St. Catharines.”
Dr. Azim Kasmani , medical officer of health at Niagara Region Public Health , expressed understanding regarding community concerns over this property.
“We want to reassure residents that we’re working within established processes with local & provincial partners taking necessary measures as needed,” he conveyed via statement given Wednesday.
Kasmani mentioned air monitoring studies carried out by province haven’t indicated off-site risks pertaining public safety but noted land remains private therefore should not be accessed publicly.
“Please know if there’s any relevant information guidance available community we’ll communicate promptly clearly.”
Mayor says site owners will be held accountable
In late May concerning properties’ standard orders St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe assured locals owners will face consequences.
“I understand long process around redeveloping this space has been frustrating many.” he added. “While today’s directives won’t immediately fix existing barriers towards development hope they signal constructive steps forward.”
Additionally late last month St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens urged province hold General Motors responsible cleanup obligations regarding former location.
“Fifteen years since General Motors left behind mess Ontarios’ street continues seeing families living near contamination unanswered questions lack accountability,” she declared via news release.
“Families deserve assurance their water soil air safe taxpayers shouldn’t bear costs cleaning up mess created multinational corporation.”
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