A plan to revitalize the old courthouse and jail in Owen Sound is dead in the water.
Last year Southbridge Care Homes made a deal with the city to purchase the property. They were going to turn it into a long term care facility and maintain the historic character of the building. But the company has notified the city the property does not fit their needs and will not proceed with the project.
Owen Sound City Manager Wayne Ritchie says it's unfortunate, but that's business.
"It certainly was a project that we felt touched a number of the bases that we were looking for there. They were going to maintain the heritage features of that building as much as possible and it did mean reinvestment in an area of town that we were certainly hoping would occur. We were hoping it would go but that's the way business works," says Ritchie.
Ritchie says the company has indicated it will look for other properties in Owen Sound to develop a long term care facility.
Meanwhile, the old courthouse remains empty. Ritchie says the city will continue looking for someone to take it over and maintain its heritage character.
