Kingston lake-shore land.

 House of Commons Ottawa June 12, 1970 Mr. David Lewis (Parliamentary Leader of the N.D.P.) New Democratic Party: "I should like to direct a question either to the acting Minister of Transport or to his Parliamentary Secretary or perhaps to the Minister of Public Works. I do not know exactly where the responsibility lies."

" Is the Minister aware of the fact that a couple of industries have vacated lakeshore land in Kingston and now there is a question as to the ownership of that land and whether or not the land should be given to a private developer from Ottawa or be developed as a recreational facility? Further, if he is aware of this would the Minister undertake to assert federal ownership of the land and interest in the land, and also assure the House that it will not be handed over to the private developer? Marina City would cover the site of the old Canadian Locomotive Works and adjacent areas, some of which are owned by the federal government. The project would include some 750 apartments in three towers, townhouses, shops, offices, a hotel, a convention centre and a marina. A total of 1,300 underground parking spaces are provided." (See: Architecture Canada newsmagazine, 1970, page 5/10.)

Hon. Arthur Laing (Minister of Public Works): "Mr. Speaker, I know nothing about this matter but I thank the hon. member for drawing it to our attention. I shall talk to the Minister of Transport, and if there is Public Works responsibility in the matter we will see to that."

House of Commons Ottawa June 12, 1970 Mr. John Gilbert (Broadview)New Democratic Party: "...To sell this property, which really belongs to the public, to private interests would be indicative of a preference for individual profit rather than a concern for the public of Kingston..."

Marina City was never built. Confederation Park is located between Lake Ontario and Kingston City Hall. (Flickr photo.)