Journal Staff
Things may be looking up for the former Sarnia General Hospital site.
Two bids were received by the May 31 deadline following a four-mouth request for proposals, the city said.
CAO Margaret Misek-Evans said she couldn’t yet provide details, but added the interest expressed in the property is welcome news.
Sarnia police have been involved in 116 incidents at the derelict hospital since its closing six years ago, including 24 arrests and 56 charges.
Many stem from trespassers looting copper wire and other scrap metal from inside the damaged building.
A variety of options have been floated by community members, including a detox centre, retirement residence and medical complex.
Before the site can be redeveloped, the building could require an estimated $2.9 million in asbestos abatement, $5.3 million for demolition and $640,000 for soil remediation, among other things, city staff has estimated.