The Town of Sidney has an agreement to purchase nearly one acre of land for a community park.
The properties at 10103 and 10097 Third St. near Rothesay Beach are in the Shoreacres neighbourhood, which had been identified as an area in need of community greenspace.
The town said it recognizes that recent provincial announcements changing housing legislation to facilitate greater density and more housing units will create more demands for parks.
The agreement for the future park includes a purchase price of $1.51 million. Due to the institutional zoning of the property, the town said the land value is significantly lower than that of residential property in Sidney.
“The chance to purchase parkland at a reasonable price, in an area of need, represents a rare opportunity to ensure Sidney continues to be a complete and healthy community,” Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said in a statement.
“I’m glad council is looking to the future and considering the need for green space as we accommodate more housing density and our population grows.”
The site was once home to a post-operative rehabilitation centre known as Quisisana, and the Discovery House Early Childhood Centre.
The properties are expected to be transferred to the town in the spring. Until that time, the site remains private property.
Once the lands are transferred and ready for public use, the park will initially serve as an open greenspace. The town will consult with the community on more detailed park concept plans.
