Fate of Talisman Resort property up in the air 10 years after closure
A decade after the Talisman Resort ceased operations, the fate of the once-popular 200-acre property is up in the air.
One group wants to preserve part of the land that years ago competed with Blue Mountain, complete with ski slopes, a golf course and lodging but now is home to vacant buildings as arrears pile up.
Still, the mayor believes it holds a special place in the hearts of residents.
"The Talisman sign shows the hay-day of the great place it was, the families that enjoyed it here. But it's time to move forward in a responsible way and in a way that works for our community," Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen said.
The municipality owns two of the three properties after a bankruptcy auction, tax sale and foreclosures.
The town entered a joint venture agreement with the owners of the remaining resort property and brought in consultants to attract investors to try to find a way to move forward.
So far, town council has heard two proposals, one from the development firm Westway Capital and the other from the community group Friends of the Beaver Valley.
On Wednesday, the Escarpment Biosphere Reserve announced its interest. It submitted a letter of intent to purchase the property based on the principles prepared by Friends of the Beaver Valley.
"What is it you want to preserve for everyone into the future?" explained Friends of the Beaver Valley's Mary Ferguson. "Then, looking at the development, developing something that is really community-owned and community-led."
Much of the land has been deemed undevelopable in zoning terms, while the Niagara Escarpment Commission regulates other portions.
"We are trying to put together a proposal that would protect the important ecological areas, yet provide enough development tax revenue to satisfy the municipality," noted Robert Barnett, Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.
Meanwhile, Friends of the Beaver Valley are assembling a team of experts who will visit and assess the property next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.