Ontario Construction News staff writer
Di Poce Management Limited (DPML) and the Town of Collingwood have released the Ministers Zoning Order (MZO) companion development agreement signed in December 2023, a milestone step toward creating Canada’s first fully integrated regional health and wellness village.
“My dream for these lands was to create a place of health and wellness for the community of Collingwood and the region, starting with a new state-of-the-art Hospital to properly care for the community. This will create a true legacy for our family and the entire community for generations to come,” said John Di Poce, owner and founder of Di Poce Management Limited.
The Poplar Regional Health and Wellness Village includes up to 30 acres of land that Mr. John Di Poce, owner of the lands, has committed to donate as a community benefit for a new state-of-the-art regional hospital campus for Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH). The hospital redevelopment is strongly supported by municipalities in Southern Georgian Bay, who are awaiting a provincial decision on the hospital’s scope and location.
Community benefits in the agreement include a minimum 10 per cent mix of affordable and attainable housing, up to two acres for a second fire station and new activated trails and recreational spaces for the community to enjoy. The project will boost employment and investment and potentially a future regional transportation hub that would support Collingwood’s sustainable growth.
“I have been pleased to see the interest in our community about the potential relocation of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital to Poplar Sideroad,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “The release of the agreement excerpts demonstrates the landowner’s commitment, secured by the Town, to providing the core community benefit of greenfield land, ensuring that we are ready to move quickly once a decision on relocation is made by the province.
“The donation of land brings us one step closer to realizing a new hospital for our community.”
The development agreement outlines a planning process for the Poplar Regional Health and Wellness Village. Other components of the agreement being released include information on payment of development charges, parkland dedication, dispute management, land transfer, and termination.
“I’m pleased that we can now share publicly more detail about the key excerpts of this mutually promising agreement, providing residents with valuable insight into the proposal which includes exceptional community benefits that are in step with our strategic plan,” said Deputy Mayor, Tim Fryer
With seven intentionally-planned and interconnected districts that integrate the region’s recreational, social, and cultural assets, the vision is for economic growth and diversification, new jobs and community services.
For more information about the project visit: https://poplarhealthandwellnessvillage.com.