The James. A. Burton & Family Foundation is moving forward with its interest in developing at the site of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s old hospital at 176 Wellington St. and insists no funding will come from the town.
The possible multimillion-dollar project is looking to turn the old building into a hub for a handful of arts, education, culture and heritage groups.
During Tuesday, Nov. 19’s committee of the whole meeting, the foundation presented findings through Abacus Data, along with its own separate presentation, aiming to prove to council why a potential cultural hub for both residents and tourists would be a good fit for the site.
According to the survey results, presented by Abacus Data vice-president Eddie Sheppard, the NOTLers surveyed are in favour of the possible development.
Out of the 331 residents questioned in early October, three in four stated they want the site to keep its community use zoning and 82 per cent are in favour of transforming the site into a “vibrant community centre,” said Sheppard.
Twelve per cent remained in strong opposition to the idea.
Abacus Data is the polling firm that was also behind a survey presented to council in September, which found the majority of the town’s residents — the ones who responded to the randomized survey of 300 people — feel tourism is important to the character of NOTL.
Later in the meeting, councillors agreed to conduct their own survey via a consultant, consisting of a phone survey, focus groups an open house and an in-person meeting to gather resident opinions on what they would like to be done with the property.
This will cost around $85,000, funded through the town’s parking reserves with $50,000 coming from the 2024 budget and $35,000 from next year’s budget.
James Burton said his purpose is to create a “multi-generational legacy of giving and philanthropy,” using the pillars of education, mental health support, art and music to create vibrant communities.
“And we’re actively involved in the process,” Burton said. “We’re not just giving money away.”
Burton emphasized that the planned social hub should be an economic advantage to the town.
To fund this redevelopment of the old hospital, the foundation will be looking and applying for federal and provincial grants.
“But we don’t expect and don’t envision that part of the process is the town putting money into this,” he said.
Coun. Sandra O’Connor asked what Burton’s views on heritage preservation are within the proposal — meaning, how the cultural hub would play a role in promoting the preservation of NOTL’s history.
In response, Burton said the hub can use an integrated approach, using the location as a gateway for other learning opportunities by partnering with other cultural hubs in town, such as teaching visitors about the War of 1812 and local Indigenous history.
“(It) doesn’t replace everything that we presently have, but asks ‘What can we do to bring it to life?'” Burton said.
Speaking at the end of the foundation’s presentation, Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said the town has “a long road ahead” in the process of repurposing the old hospital site.
“This council has benchmarks to hit for discussion on this property and I hear that you are respecting that,” he told Burton.
