Smiths Falls council voted to support the removal of the heritage easement on the Gallipeau Centre as interest in the sites redevelopment circulates.
Originally known as the Rideau Regional Centre, the property was built in 1951 as a centre for the treatment and care of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ontario, and once had over 2,500 residents, making it the largest facility in the province to serve such purpose.
The doors closed in 2009 and the property was sold in 2011, the process being overseen by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The historical significance of the site brought forth a debate between honouring the town’s past and looking towards its future.
Mayor Shawn Pankow thinks today’s demand for housing is most significant.
The property is 342 acres in size.
Councilor Chris McGuire expressed his frustration that staff did not consult the Municipal Heritage Committee before this was brought before them.
The property owners, TAG Gallipeau Corporation, has petitioned the town to support the removal of the easement, citing redevelopment barriers. It’s currently for sale and it’s expected that development will be pursued by the future keyholders.
The property is listed as a “special policy area,” which allows for flexible development around the facility, in particular the vacant lands around it.
Manager of Development Services Karl Grenke said if the easement was removed the sites heritage protections would not be removed, rather shift authority to the town on future development options.
Story by Grant Deme
