By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Just because the province halted the sale of the Wesleyville lands to the Municipality of Port Hope at the last minute does not mean the municipality is not still pursuing the matter.
Fulfilling its commitment to keep residents informed on this matter, the Municipality of Port Hope has issued an update.
With all the pieces in place for a closing date of March 31 to purchase the Ontario Power Generation lands, the province unexpectedly stepped in to halt the sale in anticipation of the potential establishment of a Centre Of Realty Excellence to oversee the sale of surplus properties.
In the days after the province stopped the sale, Mayor Bob Sanderson and municipal staff reached out to the province and invited Premier Doug Ford, Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini and Minister of Government and Consumer Services Ross Romano to discuss the matter.
A virtual meeting in April took place between Piccini and staff representatives from the province and Sanderson and municipal senior staff.
“It was made clear to the municipality that the decision to stop the sale of the lands is final,” the update said.
Sanderson expressed concerns over a number of aspects to the province’s move, including the abrupt nature of the stoppage of the sale and feedback from residents and municipal stakeholders.
He also asked the province to consider the negative impact that this decision has had on the municipality.
“The province advised that they would follow up on that request. To date no follow-up has occurred from the province, as was agreed to at the meeting,” the report said.
The municipality’s interest in this 1,334-acre parcel of land – derived from the Strategic Plan and goals for the community – included a holistic approach for their use, working with the province and the private sector towards the maintenance of parks, recreation and green space. There would also have been a focus on protection of significant natural and cultural features, and potential development of residential, commercial and employment lands on 600 acres of the parcel.
The statement pledged that municipal staff and elected officials will continue to advocate for representation regarding any future development.
“All options will be explored, and any necessary actions – legal or otherwise – will be considered to ensure that the municipality is treated fairly in this matter.”
Adding his own statement, Mayor Sanderson said, “Mayors from across the county and beyond have reached out to me to share their shock and dismay at the province’s heavy-handed approach and treatment of a small municipality.
“I am disappointed that the province has not engaged us in any meaningful way, nor does it appear that they will in the foreseeable future.
“We have a strong relationship with the province and would be an ideal partner on the Wesleyville file. I will continue to advocate this position whenever and wherever I can,” he pledged.
“As the provincial election is currently under way, it is understandable that we likely will not get to the bottom of this issue until after election day. I will be the first in line to speak with the province when the government resumes later this summer.”
