Sarnia council has extended development charge demolition credits, to the new land owners of a section of the former Sarnia General Hospital site, by 18 months.
Zelinka Priamo Ltd. planner Taylor Whitney told council the lands at 220 Mitton Street North have remained vacant since the hospital was demolished in 2018 and none of the available credits, amounting to just over $1 million, have been utilized in the property's redevelopment.
"Our client Skyline purchased the vacant property in May 2022, and in September 2022 concurrent site plan control, consent, and minor variance applications were submitted for the rental apartment development," said Whitney.
Whitney said while the applications were generally supported by council and staff, an appeal was made by a member of the public.
"Our client appeared in front of the Ontario Land Tribunal and was ultimately granted the variances required for the redevelopment of the lands," Whitney added.
However, because of delays relating to the appeal, the demolition credits were to expire before the building permit was issued.
"The subject lands have been approved for a four storey, 118 unit, rental housing development. Our client submitted a building permit application April 14, 2023, but the review and issuance of the permits were delayed due to the OLT hearing a decision," she said. "On August 18, 2023, the building permit was issued for earthworks activities which have since commenced on the lands and our client has shown commitment to the redevelopment."
Whitney said use of the credits improves the financial viability of the project.
Community Services General Manager Stacey Forfar clarified that there would be no cash transaction with the city, the credit would just be reduced from the total development charges.
She added that she believed one of the credits was already applied this summer and the remaining credit would likely be applied to the final building by the end of this year.
Forfar said the last of the available credits were due to expire in October.