developers

Friday October 13, 2023

Developers whom stood to profit from Doug Ford's Greenbelt development decisions are now anxious as an RCMP investigation unfolds, potentially exposing their wrongdoing, marking a dramatic turn of events for those once favoured in the scandal.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 13, 2023

Welcoming the RCMP Investigation: A Turn of Events for Doug Ford’s Greenbelt Developers

September 26, 2023

In a dramatic twist, an RCMP investigation has been launched into Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s controversial plan to open up the Greenbelt for development. Developers who once stood to profit from Ford’s decisions are now anxiously awaiting the outcome, and for those of us who value transparency and accountability in government, this investigation is a welcomed development.

The announcement by the RCMP follows a referral from the Ontario Provincial Police, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice. The Sensitive and International Investigations (SII) unit, responsible for handling cases that threaten Canada’s political, economic, and social integrity, will be leading the probe. This unit specializes in political investigations, examining elected officials on allegations of fraud, financial crimes, corruption, and breach of trust. Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative that this investigation unfolds diligently and impartially.

News: Ontario Greenbelt: Canada police probe Doug Ford land deal  

September 22, 2023

The Greenbelt, a protected natural area, was at the centre of controversy last year when the province decided to remove land from its protection in a bid to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. This move faced public outrage and resulted in the resignation of two ministers, as well as investigations by the integrity commissioner and the auditor general. Their findings revealed a flawed process that seemed to favour certain developers, raising questions about potential wrongdoing.

The criminal probe is a significant step forward in seeking answers and justice. The auditor general’s report highlighted that developers could stand to benefit by $8.3 billion from the land swap. While Premier Ford has maintained his confidence that nothing criminal took place, the investigations uncovered a tangled web of questionable actions by government officials.

One focal point of the investigations has been Ryan Amato, the chief of staff to the housing minister at the time. The commissioner’s report and the auditor general’s findings have raised concerns about Amato’s interactions with developers. His resignation in the wake of these findings is a testament to the seriousness of the situation.

The decision to bring the RCMP into the investigation is a critical one, given the need to ensure that the process is free from any perceived conflicts of interest. Premier Ford’s commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation is a step in the right direction.

Opinion: Here’s why an RCMP criminal probe makes Doug Ford’s Greenbelt nightmare so much worse  

December 10, 2022

The opposition, particularly the NDP and the Green Party, welcomes the investigation as a means of obtaining more answers and accountability. They argue that the people of Ontario deserve to know the truth behind these actions, which have the potential to significantly impact the province’s future.

The involvement of the RCMP underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to get to the bottom of what transpired. It is crucial to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that public officials act in the best interests of the people they serve. As the investigation unfolds, we must all keep a close watch on the proceedings and trust in the process to deliver a fair and just outcome.

In the end, the RCMP’s involvement in the Greenbelt land swap scandal is a beacon of hope for those who believe in the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. It is a chance for justice to prevail, and for the public to have confidence that their interests are protected. The unfolding events serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that our democratic institutions must be safeguarded from any undue influence or wrongdoing. (AI)

 

Wednesday January 23, 2013

Wednesday January 23, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 23, 2013

Connaught owners aim for condos by 2015

The Royal Connaught will be ready to reinhabit as early as 2015, according to the hotel’s owners.

Ted Valeri and Rudi Spallacci say the first part of their proposed 700-unit condominium development is expected to be built and ready for occupants within the next three years.

The initial phase of the project is expected to include 135 units constructed behind the original façade of the two existing Connaught buildings. The one- and two-bedroom suites will start “in the high $100,000s” and range in size from 530 to 1,190 square feet.

“We’re Hamiltonians,” Valeri said in an interview Monday. “We’re proud of Hamilton and we grew up with the Royal Connaught. We want to bring her back.”

But first, they’ll have to see if she can sell — which could be easier said than done in a market where annual condo sales are going down (around 8 per cent in the region last year), and a slew of competing developments are going up.

Valeri and Spallacci say they plan to open a presentation centre in the hotel’s three-storey lobby this summer. The contemporary space will feature a glass staircase and mezzanine, a grand piano and a coffee bar, and will later transition into the building’s main lobby and reception area.

A sales-oriented website (source: www.royalconnaught.com), has also gone live. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Wednesday August 15, 2012

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Wednesday August 15, 2012

Councillors frustrated by stadium secrecy

The secrecy surrounding Hamilton’s new Pan Am stadium has led to one councillor threatening to step down from the Games subcommittee.

Bernie Morelli, whose ward will house the new venue on the site of the current Ivor Wynne Stadium, says he’s so frustrated by the process that he’s thinking of quitting the Pan Am stadium subcommittee. Councillor Brad Clark also expressed his frustration at Infrastructure Ontario, the province’s development agency.

“We’ve relinquished all of our responsibility to Infrastructure Ontario,” Clark said.

The comments came about after councillors dealt with a report about a cost-sharing agreement for the new Pan Am stadium at Monday’s general issues committee meeting.

City staff were asking for council’s approval to enter into discussions with Infrastructure Ontario to determine the “roles, relationships, joint and separate responsibilities, authorizations and obligations” for the Pam Am stadium.

According to the report, the capital cost for the stadium is $145.6 million. The operating costs for 2012 are $340,300. However, the staff report offered few details about how the costs and operating responsibilities of the stadium will be shared.

When councillors asked staff for more information, Gerry Davis, the city’s general manager of public works, said they would have to check with Infrastructure Ontario to see if they had permission to share those details publicly. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)