This evening, Port Hope Council held a special meeting regarding 65 Ward Street. Council received 7 delegations regarding the application by the property owner (Southbridge) for the demolition of the heritage designated hospital on the property, to make way for a long term care development on the site that is shared with Hope Street Terrace.
No one attending, whether they were for or against the demolition, was unmindful of the long term care “crisis” in Ontario.
We asked MPP David Piccini, who listened to the delegations, what his take away was.
Proponents for demolition cited the need for more beds, and better, up-to-date facilities. They stated that people are more important than buildings, and a seven-story building in a residential neighbourhood was a small price to pay for the well being of our most vulnerable. Delegations included videos of residents and family members who have been waiting for more than 5 years for a new home.
Those against taking down the old hospital spoke passionately about preserving the very essence of Port Hope – the heritage with which residents so strongly identify.
Philip Goldsmith is an architect who is an advocate for repurposing the old hospital building.
Goldsmith suggests a phased approach could meet all requirements, starting with renovating the hospital to house existing residents at Hope Street Terrace, and then the construction of a new facility to add capacity.
A recorded vote was called for and it was a divided council that voted to deny the Heritage Alteration Permit Application for Demolition.
Southbridge has the right to appeal Council’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), within 30 days of receiving notice of Council’s decision.
Written by Joseph Goden
