The spectre of Benny Farm

>>

by Craig Segal

The group that lost its contract to turn a 16-acre plot in NDG into affordable housing refuses to lay down and die.

As mentioned in the Mirror last week, Canada Lands said the deal to sell Benny Farm expired October 1. Now the group, Benny Farm 2000, accuses Canada Lands of dumping a perfectly good deal.

"I feel betrayed," says Miriam Green, president of Benny Farm 2000. "After all the work that these incredibly dedicated people have done, we're being told, 'Forget about it.' I was working in good faith with them. I think it's unconscionable."

The federal government built Benny Farm as part of a Canada-wide homes for vets program after WW II. It is a series of 64 three-storey buildings spread over 16 acres. Though 308 of the 312 apartments are empty, security guards protect them 24-hours a day.

Last week the vice-president of Canada Lands, Gordon McIvor, told the Mirror the deal was dead. He said the group did not meet conditions they had to meet by October 1. He also doubted the group could procure the $40-million it would cost to convert Benny Farm into 430 units of low-cost housing for families, seniors, and severely handicapped youth.

Green says Canada Lands may be legally compelled to lay their deal back on the table. "We're examining our legal options."

Canada Lands says they may develop the land themselves.