Thunder Bay partnership negotiating for Wilderness Discovery Resort land

Talks continue between a group of service organizations in Thunder Bay and the province to try tosecure a future for an accessible wilderness retreat in northwestern Ontario.

The Wilderness Discovery Resort, located on a 2.75 hectare piece of crown land on Lake Shebandowan, remains closed after HAGI Community Services for Independence let its lease expire on the property in 2015. The organization cited high operating costs for its decision.

• Lake Shebandowan accessible camp could be saved by partnership

• HAGI accessibility camp garners support from outside Thunder Bay area

• Lake Shebandowan accessible camp patrons petition to keep site open

The partnership, consisting of rotary and kinsmen clubs, as well as HAGI, has been negotiating with Infrastructure Ontario through Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro, said Robert Hookham, the incoming president of the Fort William Rotary club.

"We don't want anything monetarily out of it, but we just don't want to see that facility go to someone else," he said of his concern the property could be sold to private developers.

At issue, Hookham said, is securing an agreement on the property at a reduced price, adding that the clubs could not afford to lease or buy at market value, as well asdo the $350 thousand in capital work thathe said is needed.

"It's a one-of-a-kind facilityin Ontario, if not all of Canada," he said. "It would be a shame to lose it."

HAGI Executive Director David Shannon told CBC News if the partnership can re-open Wilderness Discovery, his group would not be involved in the facility's operation or funding, but would have a position on the management board.

Parties have at least until October to strike a deal: Mauro

Bill Mauro confirmed he is working with "well intentioned," community partners in order to facilitate talks with Infrastructure Ontario, which, under the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, manages provincially-owned land and real estate.

Meetings with Minister Brad Duguid have resulted in an extended window to get a deal done, Mauro said.

"We've managed to extend it out to the end of, I think it's September 30th, so we have at least until that long to see what's possible on that site."

In an email, Infrastructure Ontario spokesperson Ian McConachie said the crown corporation is "currently evaluating short and long term real estate options for the provincially owned land on Lake Shebadowan."

Expansion plans

Should the management partnership succeed in striking a deal, Hookham said the goal is to open the resort to other groups, in addition to people with physical disabilities.

Hookham said that could include veterans, people with visual impairments, or even children with developmental disabilities. He added that the supports for those with mobility issues would not be compromised.

As for raising the money to get all the necessary work done, Hookham said he's convinced the partners have the resources available, even it it means piecing out the work over a number of years.