The former St. Peter School on Oxford St. in Sarnia. May 30, 2017 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)The former St. Peter School on Oxford St. in Sarnia. May 30, 2017 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

St. Peter School Site Eyed For Seniors Housing

Another former school is being eyed for a seniors housing development in Sarnia.

Zelinka Priamo Ltd. is proposing a retirement complex and low-rise apartment building for the former St. Peter Catholic School site at 696 Oxford St. in Sarnia.

Council granted the London-based company permission to consider a proposed amendment to the official plan Monday.

The lands at the east side of Oxford St., between Alexander and Maxwell streets, are currently designated urban residential, which would have to be changed to allow the redevelopment.

In the meantime, Vision Nursing and Rest Home is still interested in redeveloping the former Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School.

Council has decided to allow a request from CEO Heather Martin to consider an official plan amendment for the lands at 229 Wellington St.

Martin announced last November that they were considering transforming the 95-year-old building into condominium development.

Council also passed a resolution Monday to allow future amendments to the official plan – during a two year “time-out” restriction.

The prohibition was a recent amendment made by the planning act through Bill 73, the Smart Growth for Our Communities Act.

Its intent was to give municipalities the ability to implement their new official plan, Sarnia’s came into effect July 2016, without having to contend with immediate pressures for amendments.

However, council has received seven requests to amend the city’s new official plan since then, and in the interest of efficiency, staff recommended the resolution to get rid of the additional step for applicants.

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