Letter: LPH land development

I find it interesting that city representatives are again putting the cart before the horse regarding the former LPH (Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital) lands.

These 144 acres truly represent a huge development opportunity, along with potential for recreational use. In Thunder Bay's latest official plan, this area has been designated as a "future residential area." The province followed procedure and approved this decision, making it clear that they want to keep the property as one parcel and sell it at fair market value.

Based on how the reports have been presented, it seems unclear whether attendees at the recent meeting in Rome were aware of this. This process is routine for any provincial land asset deemed "surplus."

If no private developer is interested, the city could acquire the land, but the city has no interest in, and should not be, acting as a developer.

The mayor has said there is strong interest from many developers, but the information on this front seems a bit convoluted.

Do we need housing? We clearly need affordable housing. But that may not necessarily be what this area needs, as shown by the "highest and best use study" obtained by the "Friends of the LPH Greenspace," which is the usual first step when provincial property is deemed "surplus."

This indicates that mixed housing is the best way to maximize profit. This would include high-end housing, some apartments, and some high-rises. Interestingly, through the "Friends'" community consultations, one clear result was that many in the community fear low-income housing.

By the way, the author of this piece has never shared or endorsed that view. I do wonder if LPH/OH would have been built if people had placed too much weight on these concerns back then.

Yes, policy must weigh all matters. There are people who want to protect parts of the area, with nearly 2,000 signatures on a petition, more than some surveys supporting large public expenditures. If development does proceed, done carefully and in conjunction with the expressed wishes of the public and local residents, it would be a "win-win" situation.

Let's not put the cart before the horse and have unrealistic expectations that the province will easily give up the land, or speed up the sale process just because Thunder Bay City Council wants it.

By the way, if you have any comments on this matter, please write to your MPP.

Thank you,
Len Maki

Source: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/letters-to-the-editor/letter-lph-land-development-10141672