-

From Wikileaks

KRISTAN BILLING (Kawatha Times)
Thursday July 9, 2008

Although a leaked document regarding Trent University's planned Water Street development was made public via www.wikileaks.org, a university official still won't talk about it .

But, he adds, that not because the school has anything to hide.

"It was confidential," says Don O'Leary, vice-president of administration.

He points out the only thing in the document that should have been kept under wraps were certain business arrangements.

"It compromises their (Residents Development Corporation) ability to do business elsewhere," he says.

The document states the Residents Development Corporation would lease Trent's land for $1,779,200. Trent would receive five per cent of gross revenues starting in year 20 of the lease, which the document predicts will be substantial. If there is a change in ownership, which is permitted in the lease, Trent will receive a lump sum each time. The report also points out that this deal with Trent is the first agreement they have entered into that requires on-going return to the university throughout the lease.

The document was originally released in February by Trent newspaper The Arthur's website, but at that point it's authenticity had not been confirmed.

Citing a lack of student housing as the reason for building the proposed 256-unit 119,500-square-foot facility, the document says a location on Water Street supports the university's housing needs, as well as other community needs such as retail, convenience and professional services; an inn; and faculty housing. The document also points out that an appraisal of the property confirmed that significant revenue is possible by the development of the property.

Meaghan Kelly, vice-president of student issues for Trent's student association, says she's had the document for a few months and more than a few things have jumped out, specifically what it says about property taxes.

The report states the university will make every effort with the City to have property taxes and development charges waved or reduced.

"It just shows this is not about Trent or the community it's about profit for RDC (Residents Development Corporation)," Ms Kelly says.

"This is all we have. We would much rather work off something official so we could have our questions answered."

Since Trent owns the land on Water Street, but wants to lease out the property for more than 21 years, permission from the City is necessary to move forward. If everything goes according to plan, Mr. O'Leary says Trent will sign a 99-year lease with RDC, who would own and operate the buildings until the end of the lease. At that point Trent would take over ownership.

"There's been no accountability. The info session doesn't qualify, that was more like 'this is what we're doing," says Ms Kelly. Mr. O'Leary says if the university is give the go-ahead at this Tuesday's Committee of Adjustment meeting, construction will be underway by the end of next month.

"Hopefully it would be finished and ready in September of next year," he says.

So far, Trent's proposed lease went to the the Committee of Adjustment, but the committee adjourned the hearing so Trent could hold a public information session on June 17 for concerned neighbors and students.

"We want to be proud of our university," says Ms Kelly.

"Students want choice and they want to be part of the community. I just really hope the committee hears the message that's been so clearly spoken during the last few weeks."

To read the report, log onto www.wikileaks.org.

First appeared at http://www.mykawartha.com/news/article/31090 . Reprint rights remain with Kawartha