Stelco land could provide positive waterfront development for Hamilton, councillors hope
Kevin Werner, Stoney Creek News
(Jan 5, 2007)
Stelco has put up for sale almost 42 acres of "prime" waterfront land and some councillors say they want the city to purchase it.
About three weeks ago, Stelco put up for sale 41.61 acres of land located at 139 Windemere Rd.
Stelco was expected to inform Lafarge Hamilton Slag officials, which is located on the property, about its intentions on Dec. 29, 2006. Stelco did not respond to a call seeking comment.
Lafarge officials were not aware of Stelco's intentions when contacted earlier in December.
Lafarge leases the property from Stelco. Prior to Lafarge taking over the company, National Slag had a long-term lease agreement with Stelco to operate on the property.
Sydney Hamber, a real estate broker for J.J. Barnicke, which is the agent for Stelco, said the price of the land is about $200,000 per acre, or about $8.3 million.
He said individuals have expressed "some interest" for the property.
"It's a good piece of property for a variety of people," said Mr. Hamber. "It's right by the Queen Elizabeth Way."
He said Stelco's decision to sell the property is "prudent." Stelco has been looking at unloading some of its properties, he said.
Stelco last August sold 103 acres, plus a building located on the Hamilton Harbour waterfront to the Hamilton Port Authority for about $17.5 million. The purchase was scheduled to be closed Dec. 31, 2006.
Stelco also recently made it known it wants to sell some of its property on Lake Erie.
Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins, who represents the area, says the Stelco property is a great opportunity for the city. He said the land is on the waterfront and city business representatives and politicians have been talking about revitalizing Hamilton's waterfront.
"This would be a great first project (for the new council) to get involved," said Mr. Collins, who has talked with other councillors about the potential property and what they could do about it.
The Stelco property would be attractive to businesses because it is near the QEW, he said. But Hamilton should be interested in the land because it is a "perfect" opportunity to create a "gateway" location for the city, said Mr. Collins, a strong proponent of transforming Hamilton's waterfront. Right now, there is nothing but "piles of slag in the air, he said.
"We don't want another Biox or Bitumar on the waterfront," he said. "We could prevent those type of businesses from coming and make sure that the property is used properly for the benefit of the city and area residents. That is a prime location.
"We should study that area and make sure we decide on the best use of the land," said Mr. Collins.
Kevin Werner, Stoney Creek News
(Jan 5, 2007)
Stelco has put up for sale almost 42 acres of "prime" waterfront land and some councillors say they want the city to purchase it.
About three weeks ago, Stelco put up for sale 41.61 acres of land located at 139 Windemere Rd.
Stelco was expected to inform Lafarge Hamilton Slag officials, which is located on the property, about its intentions on Dec. 29, 2006. Stelco did not respond to a call seeking comment.
Lafarge officials were not aware of Stelco's intentions when contacted earlier in December.
Lafarge leases the property from Stelco. Prior to Lafarge taking over the company, National Slag had a long-term lease agreement with Stelco to operate on the property.
Sydney Hamber, a real estate broker for J.J. Barnicke, which is the agent for Stelco, said the price of the land is about $200,000 per acre, or about $8.3 million.
He said individuals have expressed "some interest" for the property.
"It's a good piece of property for a variety of people," said Mr. Hamber. "It's right by the Queen Elizabeth Way."
He said Stelco's decision to sell the property is "prudent." Stelco has been looking at unloading some of its properties, he said.
Stelco last August sold 103 acres, plus a building located on the Hamilton Harbour waterfront to the Hamilton Port Authority for about $17.5 million. The purchase was scheduled to be closed Dec. 31, 2006.
Stelco also recently made it known it wants to sell some of its property on Lake Erie.
Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins, who represents the area, says the Stelco property is a great opportunity for the city. He said the land is on the waterfront and city business representatives and politicians have been talking about revitalizing Hamilton's waterfront.
"This would be a great first project (for the new council) to get involved," said Mr. Collins, who has talked with other councillors about the potential property and what they could do about it.
The Stelco property would be attractive to businesses because it is near the QEW, he said. But Hamilton should be interested in the land because it is a "perfect" opportunity to create a "gateway" location for the city, said Mr. Collins, a strong proponent of transforming Hamilton's waterfront. Right now, there is nothing but "piles of slag in the air, he said.
"We don't want another Biox or Bitumar on the waterfront," he said. "We could prevent those type of businesses from coming and make sure that the property is used properly for the benefit of the city and area residents. That is a prime location.
"We should study that area and make sure we decide on the best use of the land," said Mr. Collins.