Offers have been received for the Guelph Innovation District property on the east side of Victoria Road and the provincial agency responsible for selling it off is now reviewing them.
City plans for the provincially-owned lands include a mix of employment, residential, commercial and natural heritage uses. They encompass 328.6 acres of land bordered by Stone Road East, Victoria Road South and York Road. That total includes 100 acres of protected natural areas.
The GID lands were taken off the market last summer, after a potential sale agreement fell through. It was put back on the market recently for 45 days and some offers were received.
"Infrastructure Ontario re-listed the property on the open market on June 1, 2021, on behalf of MGCS (Ministry of Government and Consumer Services) and ARIO (Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario)," said Jeff Giffen, communications manager with Infrastructure Ontario. The 45 day listing period, which ensures a fair and competitive process, has now expired.
"Offers have been received and IO is entering the review period. If one of the offers is determined to be acceptable, IO will enter into negotiations with the offering party toward establishing an agreement of purchase and sale."
While the province owns the property, it is the city that dictates its future use via its Official Plan and zoning of the property, which includes a portion that is protected wetlands.
