Thu Mar 29, 2007

Coves condo deal nearing completion

The Brantford developer says the plan offers the first "legitimate" public access to the area.

JOE BELANGER, SUN MEDIA
The LONDON FREE PRESS

A deal to build condominiums on the site of a former paint factory overlooking one of London's ecological and recreational gems could be done within weeks.

Brantford-based developer King and Benton is awaiting results of final soil tests before closing the deal with Minnesota-based Valspar Industries to buy more than 28 hectares at The Coves.

"This is one of the largest and most challenging brownfields in Ontario and, if everything goes well, we're hoping to do more business in London," Charest said.

"We've been treated very well by city officials, the neighbours, everyone."

Charest said the company hopes to use about eight hectares for low-rise condominiums, leaving the balance "for community enjoyment."


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Mon Mar 26, 2007

Builders take new approach to natives

As Caledonia talks drag on, others find talking to the band smoothes the road

BY KATE HARRIES
Special to The Globe and Mail

Frustrated by the slow pace of talks between the federal government, Ontario and the Six Nations, developers are starting to go directly to the reserve to seek assurances that their projects won't be stalled by a land-claim dispute or, worse, a lengthy occupation.

Steve Charest, president of King & Benton, a Brantford developer, believes it's just good business to take the Six Nations presence seriously by trying to take positive steps to resolve problems.

King & Benton is redeveloping a former aggregate mine on 170 hectares in the middle of Brantford, in an area where Mr. Charest said there's documentation to show it was surrendered properly. "I'm hoping that we can have that confirmed by the confederacy and we've asked them to assist us with that."

Mr. Charest faults the federal government for a lack of commitment to resolving the Six Nations claims. "Best I can tell, the federal government's position is it's not their problem," he said. "I think that's the wrong attitude and my preference would be to see the federal government as part of the solution."


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