Scout's Island sale to go ahead

Despite 200 signatures, council votes to proceed with sale of island property.

Last month, West Nipissing officially put the 3.8 acre downtown island formerly known as Scout’s Island for sale.

The municipality is accepting bids until tomorrow (November 22nd) with a minimum bid of $175,000.

The property was declared surplus unanimously by council earlier this year based on recommendations from staff. Council had heard that it would cost approximately $72,000 of repairs to make the property usable for public use.

After the property was officially listed some local residents spoke out against the sale and organized a petition. Sturgeon resident Chantale Lavallée-Ouellette lives waterfront across from Scout’s Island and led the charge to try and convince council to stop the sale.

One key concern in her petition was that homeowners facing Scout’s Island would see their property values affected depending on what is developed on the island. Another concern was that the island was a habitat for diverse species of animals and developing the land could affect this. The petition had proposed: “Instead of selling, utilizing the island’s potential for community benefit. The opposite side of the island could be developed into a community picnic area with swings and tables, a fishing spot for those without boats, or a venue for special occasions.”

Lavallée-Ouellette had originally started an online petition which now has over 300 supporters. But she later transitioned to a paper petition in order for it to be accepted by the municipality.

By Tuesday, there were approximately 200 signatures presented to council and Lavallée-Ouellette was scheduled to deliver a presentation to council. However at the beginning of the meeting the clerk informed council that Lavallée-Ouellette had cancelled her delegation and had requested that the petition be cancelled as well.

Council was informed that once a petition is submitted it cannot be withdrawn.

Discussions on the potential sale ensued with councillor Kris Rivard stating he would be in favour of keeping this land as green space. However no other councillors supported this idea. Eventually when it came to a vote 4 of the 7 councillors present supported the idea of proceeding with the sale.

Mayor Kathleen Thorne-Rochon noted that council will still have a final say after reviewing the bids received. Staff advised that ,yes they do have the option of not selling after the bids are received but if that was their intent it would be a better practice to make that known now.

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