Whitby news Satutday, June 7, 1997, page 3 9990 ge>9 Gorng, gorng, gone Whitby Psych grounds deadline passes Town's request for extension denied . . . By MIKE KOWALSKI Free Press Staff Writer A request to extend the deadline for selling the former Whitby Psychiatric Hospital grounds and cot- tages has been rejected by the Ontario government. The Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC) refused this week to waive yesterday's deadline for submitting pur- chase offers for 67 acres of surplus provincial lands ly- ing north of the new Whitby Mental Health Centre. Although ORC's decision means that Whitby coun- cil's formal request for an extension to Dec. 1 will not be granted, it does not necessarily mean that the property will soon be sold. The provincial agency was not bound to accept any proposals submitted by Friday if certain criteria were not met, such as preserving some of the historic cot- tages which date back to the First World War. Rita Smith, press secre- tary to Management Board chairman Dave Johnson, said ORC rejected council's request because consulta- tions between the Town and government have been occurring for "over a yfar and a half." But should no proposals be acceptable, the property will not be sold, Smith stressed. The land is currently owned by either the ORC or management board and has been on the market since March. In April, council held a special meeting on the fu- ture of the unique buildings and while there is consider- able interest in preserving some of the cottages, no specific proposals had yet come forward. Councillor Dennis Fox, chairman of Whitby's op- erations committee, was disappointed with the ORC decision. "We're talking about a major financial commit- ment (to acquire the site) from the people and com- munity and to think it can materialize in a few months is unrealistic," said Fox. "The province owns a substantial piece of land and wants to turn it over and benefit financially, I think that's wrong," he said. "I don't think it's too much to ask the government to donate a building or two and piece of land and sell off the rest." Durham Centre MPP Jim Flaherty has met with ORC officials and said they agree with his view that "we should preserve some of the buildings" and that this "has been made clear to prospective purchasers." However, the government also expects a commitment from the municipality that it would be willing to main- tain and service the buildings, Flaherty noted. "I have not heard any such commitment from the Town of.Whitby," he said. Finally, a real estate savings plan tailored to meet your needs! Commission based on an offer of $175,000: $10,500. $5,687. OTHER REALTOR Realty Savings Solution For a FREE MARKET EVALUA TION call.. Ginny Eastaugh and Margaret McGovern Salcs Rcprescntativcs Sutton Group Classic Realty Inc. Direct Line: (905) 718-0907 We can help your son or daughter create their own summer job through a Student Venture loan of up to $3,000. If your child is between 15 and 29, and returning to school, give us a cali today. We'Il help you keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive! Call 1-800-387-0777 ONTAJeob http://www.edu.gov.on.ca ( Ontario 1