THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay has told the Ontario government it wants to remain "in the loop" as the province considers the future of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital and the surrounding property.
The LPH became vacant with the recent transfer of patients to the new mental health wing at St. Joseph's Hospital.
Leslie McEachern, the city's Director of Planning Services, says the city has asked the province to keep it informed as it goes through the process of disposing of the 58-hectare (144 acres) site.
"We've said 'Keep us in the loop. We'd like to be part of the consultations as you proceed,' " McEachern told Tbnewswatch.
Infrastructure Ontario, a Crown Agency, manages the government's real estate portfolio.
A spokesperson told Tbnewswatch it has made no decision yet regarding the future of the LPH property.
"Each situation is somewhat unique. In this case, we knew [St. Joseph's Care Group] was intending to move off site, so we've been able to conduct some due diligence work up front. However, there is still some work to do," Infrastructure Ontario's communications manager, Jeff Giffen, said.
Government property is considered surplus once no provincial government need for it has been identified.
The first step in disposing of it is to offer to sell it to other levels of government, registered not-for-profit corporations, and school boards. If no party is interested, it is then marketed to the public.
The city's recently-updated Official Plan designates the LPH and vicinity as a Special Policy Area (SPA), and lays out overall objectives for its development, should any development proposals be presented.
Those objectives include:
- create an attractive, well planned, and resilient residential neighbourhood by preserving and enhancing the natural features
- develop an integrated parks and open space system to serve the active and passive recreational needs of the community and effectively manage stormwater
- provide for the establishment of a convenient, neighbourhood commercial node if required
- develop a land use pattern that provides opportunities for and integrates a full range of housing types, densities and tenures that will meet the physical requirements and financial capabilities of a variety of households
- develop higher density dwelling types before lower density housing forms
The hospital buildings occupy the southern portion of the SPA.
The citizens' group Friends of the LPH Greenspace has lobbied to preserve the undeveloped northern portion which includes a network of walking trails.
The official plan notes "there is a significant amount of community interest in the development and redevelopment opportunities for the LPH lands. Development proponents are encouraged to engage in public consultation."
