A hearing by the Ontario Land Tribunal regarding the rezoning of St. Michael’s School in Fort Frances will continue today.
The Rainy River District Social Services Board wants the school for senior housing and the building of eight-plexes to address community need. It would also be the new home to the EarlyOn Centre.
A group of residents is opposing specifically to the eight-plexes to be located on the property’s greenspace.
Yesterday the tribunal heard testimony from both parties.
Scott Fawcett, representing residents, told the tribunal they weren’t adequately consulted. He says a public meeting last spring was held with audio access only because of the pandemic and technology limitations at the time. He notes only three people were permitted to speak.
He says residents later wrote 113 letters to town council opposing the rezoning. Another 450 signed a petition.
Fawcett also went into great detail, the history of the park and its importance to the area. He stated it’s the only recreational greenspace in the east end of Fort Frances where baseball or football can be played.
Fawcett says residents want the greenspace severed as a park and the town do a land swap for the eight-plexes to be built elsewhere.
In his testimony, the DSSAB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dan McCormick, outlined the project and the need for housing in the area.
Town of Fort Frances agenda handout
He stated the DSSAB and town have agreed to complete a site plan agreement that will address more specific before any work takes place.
He considers the project to be shovel-ready, which will help expedite provincial dollars.
McCormick says if the property’s rezoning is denied, the DSSAB will likely walk away from the project.
He noted the DSSAB’s purchase from the Northwest Catholic District School Board is dependent upon the rezoning approval.
The tribunal also heard from the town’s chief building official and town planner, Cody Vangel.
He walked through the planning process, including the timeline for public consultation, noting all provincial guidelines were followed.
Final submissions are expected today.
A decision by the tribunal is expected to come at a later date.
