The new owner of Sarnia's Bayside Mall has revealed preliminary development plans for the 8.5 acre site in the city's downtown.
Oakville-based Seasons Retirement Communities deal to acquire the property, in cash, closed April 18, 2017.
Plans that include a retirement residence with 140-160 independent and assisted living suites, are being presented to Sarnia council at its meeting Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley says it's an incredible step forward for the downtown.
"It's a very legitimate purchase group, that have a very clear plan and they have the financial backing to carry it out," says Bradley.
Bradley says the plan complements existing retail on Front and Christina streets, the vibrancy downtown with First Friday's and Artwalk and will bring approximately 75 new employees to the downtown and several hundred residents.
"It's not totally clear yet if this will be a sole purpose building with the older adult facilities or if there will be more amenities there -- we will wait for them to make those announcements," he says. "The fact that the parking is an integral part of the downtown, it's my hope that they will see that as an asset for the entire downtown community and make it affordable and also make it 24 hour."
Bradley understands that the mall's major tenant, Lambton Shared Services Centre, is staying.
He says the sale also includes the adjacent former Industry Theatre.
Given the magnitude of the proposed site improvements, Seasons expects one year will be spent planning the project with construction beginning as early as 2018.
The company has 11 retirement communities in Ontario, including the 120-suite Seasons Strathroy Retirement Community.
