Five years later, still no Port Place

Port Place was billed as the project that would breathe new life into Port Dalhousie. It includes a 17 storey condo tower, boutique hotel and theatre – a $65 million venture.

“It has been over five years since they got the OMB decision. They got everything they asked for. And they haven’t built a thing. They’ve only torn things down.”

Carlos Garcia from the Port Dalhousie Conservancy says it’s been an eyesore for a year and a half now. Buildings were demolished. What’s left are two huge holes in front of Lakeside Park.

Last month, a construction industry website reported Port Place was either cancelled or deferred. The developer didn’t return calls from CHCH News, and the sales centre was locked.

The city planner says they’ve received no building permit applications. As for the big holes, the site plan approval is good until next year. If this project doesn’t
proceed by then, the city will decide what to do next.

This woman who wouldn’t give her name, is a big fan of Port Place. “It’ll get done. The developers have had a hard time along the way.”

There are 80 condo units. with a starting price of 350 thousand dollars. word is, 60 per cent need to be sold before they’ll start building.

Meanwhile Garcia and other residents calling themselves the Port Renaissance Committee are working to come up with another vision for the town. They’re even inviting Port Place developers on board.

“We are willing to work with them or any other developer to make this work.”