Mystery looms with Region of Queens land purchase

In 2007 the Region of Queens purchased 21 acres from J.A.S. Investments Ltd. to house the new recreation facility.

“We have had an opportunity to add to that 21 acre core,” stated Mayor John Leefe after the March 17 council meeting. “We approved the purchase of 14 acres from Daniel and Joyce McLean and that’s immediately adjacent to the core 21 acres on the east side.”

The 14 acres cost $325,000.

They also purchased the former Joval plant property for $250,000 and the single family dwelling in front of the property for $85,000.

Clearing is complete on the 21 acres of land, which will house a 900-seat NHL size arena, aquatic centre, walking track, fitness centre and community room.

“We have netted out one of the first and in fact most important immediate step for us in developing that site to ensure that we dewater it,” he explained.

They could either put in a twin covered drainage system well over 1,000 feet in length or acquire property where they could put in an open perimetre drainage system, said the mayor.

When they net out the cost of one against the other, as a result of purchasing the Joval properties, the Region will have a net saving, he added.

When asked what the land will be used for, Mayor Leefe replied, “we have a sharp eye to future development.”