Skip to content

Powell River resident enquires about city lands available for sale

At this time there is no land available, says city chief administrative officer
City Hall Powell River

Townsite resident Stephen Miller has written to City of Powell River regarding city lands for sale but will be advised that at this time, there are no properties on the market.

Miller’s letter was introduced at the Tuesday, July 16, committee of the whole meeting, where he stated that his interest is to possibly come in as a buyer.

Chief administrative officer Russell Brewer said any city-owned property that could be available for sale is subject to the Community Charterfor disposition. He said from time to time there may be requests from people who have an idea and want to talk to the city about something such as an economic development proposal or whether land is for sale, and that’s where director of economic development and communications Scott Randolph would be the point of contact.

“In this case, it makes sense to reply to Mr. Miller and Mr. Randolph could do that,” said Brewer. “At this time there is no land available. In particular, Mr. Miller wrote the city a while ago asking about the old golf course lands. At present, the city still does not own those.”

Brewer said the transfer of those lands to the city will be finalized by the end of July. The lands won’t be considered for sale until some kind of planning process is implemented, whether later this year or early 2020.

“After that it will be up to council,” said Brewer.

Mayor Dave Formosa said Randolph had been in contact with Miller in past. The mayor said Miller was likely writing to see if there was any change of mind by the city.

“I think he’s checking in,” said Formosa.

The committee directed Randolph to write a letter to explain the current circumstances.

Miller, in his letter to council, stated that in a previous letter, he asked to be informed when any of the lands the city owns or controls either directly or indirectly were for sale or being contemplated for sale.

“Since I have not heard anything from the city, I would have to assume that nothing is being contemplated at this time,” stated Miller. “I understand that at times the city takes meetings with developers or other interested buyers of real estate to discuss possibilities. If that is the case, I would welcome meeting with officials to have a discussion of what pieces are being contemplated, possible uses the city would like to see and timing on considering and accepting offers. My intent is to do the right and best thing for the City of Powell River and its residents.”