Following significant debate, Sarnia council has decided not to extend the deadline in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale for the Sarnia General Hospital site.
In a 6-2 recorded vote, council decided to receive and file the request from the development group proposing a $15-million health campus project.
Councillor Mike Kelch says they can now await the final ruling on ownership of the building and the responsibilities that go with ownership.
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Councillors Cindy Scholten and Dave Boushy thought staff should continue to deal with the development group in good faith.
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Council tabled a decision on a rezoning of the former hospital site during its March 9 meeting and had extended the agreement to April 17, but staff indicated more time was needed to complete required tasks.
Two independent property appraisals, a cost estimate of hazardous materials remediation and final legal determination of the property's ownership are required.
It's estimated that a decision on ownership may be reached in as little as four months.
