Ontario Minister of the Environment visits the Coves
Project: The abandoned Valspar/Lilly/paint factory/fruit orchard
During a recent visit to London on July 8, 2010, the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario's Minister of the Environment, took time from his busy schedule and braved extremely hot temperatures to visit the Coves. Minister Gerretsen and several members of his staff joined Thom McClenaghan, FOTCSI President, for a tour of a property at the heart of the Coves area which is owned by Valspar Corporation.
Discussions of the future of the property were at the top of the agenda. The property encompasses a 68-acre area, much of which is brownfield land where industrial activities formerly took place. The property also includes natural habitat that is home to many species not common in urban areas and it is in a key location, linking together other natural areas of the Coves which have been designated as Environmentally Significant by the City of London.
The area under Valspar Corporation ownership is recently back on the market after recent redevelopment proposals for the area from King & Benton, a development company specializing in brownfield redevelopment, were not able to gain the support of local authorities; this has renewed concerns over what will become of the area.
(Right - Left) Thom McClenaghan, MPP John Gerretsen and a member of his staff making their way through the extensive property.
Thom McClenaghan and MPP John Gerretsen taking in the view across the South Pond of the Coves.
Friends of the Coves Subwatershed would like to thank MPP John Gerretsen for his time and thoughtful attention. We would also like to thank MPP Chris Bentley for bringing the issue to the Minister's attention and setting up the on-site meeting.
For more on the history of the property owned by Valspar Corporation visit HERE