Niagara, ON - The news media is invited to attend an open house Monday, March 31, 2008, hosted by the Queenston Community Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Niagara Health System (NHS). The event will outline ideas for future redevelopment of the St. Catharines General (SCG) Site, which will be vacant following completion of the new community hospital in west St. Catharines.
The open house will be an opportunity for the public to review, discuss and provide input on conceptual plans and development scenarios for the redevelopment of the SCG property.
Location:
Westminster United Church Hall
180 Queenston Street in St. Catharines
Timeline:
Informal drop-in sessions: from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Formal presentation: 7 - 7:30 p.m.
Made up of about 20 residents representing the Queenston Street, downtown and Merritton areas, the Queenston Community Advisory Committee has been meeting since 2004 to provide the NHS with input into planning for reuse or redevelopment of the hospital site.
"We've had the opportunity to brainstorm and now it's the community's turn," says Robbie Davidson, Advisory Committee Chair. "We're excited to share these ideas, and we urge the community to join us on the 31st."
A number of conceptual plans will be on display at the event, including potential land usages, all of which include variations for healthcare and residential use, accompanied by a community centre.
While planning is at the preliminary stage, feedback from the open house will help shape the Requests for Expressions of Interest (REI) expected to be issued to land developers this fall. Once the REI is issued, the City of St. Catharines will become more involved in the planning process to ensure any potential uses of the land meet the City's planning guidelines and principles.
