Township of Severn is working in partnership with Lakehead University to complete a feasibility study for a property located in Port Severn that was donated to the municipality. This project is funded in part by the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program. 

This initial phase of the project will include research and stakeholder consultation to help evaluate the potential for the bequeathed waterfront property to be redeveloped as a centre for arts, culture, recreation and/or heritage programming serving residents and visitors of the Port Severn area.

Comments and responses will be included in the initial feasibility report, and will play an important part in helping Severn determine the future use of the bequeathed property. 

Get involved

Residents and visitors were invited to participate in a variety of engagement opportunities, including:

  • online survey
  • stakeholder interviews
  • public open house

Comments and responses will be included in the feasibility report, and will play an important part in helping Severn determine the future use of the bequeathed property. 

Read more abut the study in the Information and Consent Letter.

Study Information and Research Consent Letter  

Open house held on April 24

All were welcome to attend. This was a drop-in event and registration was not required. 

Date: Wednesday , April 24, 2024

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Rawley Resort, Spa, and Marina (Rivers End Room), 2900 Kellys Road, Severn

The project team answered questions from attendees and shared some high-level results from the data collection phase through a PowerPoint presentation and display boards.

View the Community Engagement Results PowerPoint

Next steps

The project team will prepare the feasibility report for submission to Severn's Culture and Recreation Advisory Committee (CRAC) in June, 2024. Staff will receive direction from the CRAC at that time on any future work items related to the report. 

If you would like to submit any comments to your members of Council please visit our Council page. You can also send an email to all members of Council to share your comments. 

FAQ

Review some frequently asked questions.

What is a feasibility study?

A feasibility study involves the assessment of the practicality of a proposed plan or method. These studies are completed to help make informed decisions on options, such as that presented to the Township as the recipient of the gift of this property. 

After careful review, it was determined that public consultation is needed to give the community a stronger and clearer voice in the development of this property and their community
overall. 

Some factors will be applied to the evaluation of the proposed uses, but overall, this phase of the feasibility study will focus on background research and stakeholder engagement.

Phase 2 (proposed) will involve the detailed analysis of the technical, legal, and operational considerations to evaluate the viability of the possible use. 

Why is this use being considered?

Severn completed a 15-year Recreation Master Plan (RMP) in late 2022. The RMP highlights a need to create an arts-focused community centre through redevelopment/renovation of the building and grounds at the Township’s recently bequeathed property in Port Severn.

The implementation of this recommendation from the RMP serves several objectives including:

  • addressing a deficiency in facilities for community arts development and programming
  • optimizing the use of a newly acquired Township-owned asset

What types of information will be gathered?

The feasibility study will include:

  • geographic context
  • research and background of the property
  • analysis of survey and interview results

Can I visit the property?

Please do not visit or access the property at anytime. Any unauthorized access to the property will be considered trespassing. 

How is the community being invited to participate?
 Opportunities to get involved include:
  • interviews with Council and staff
  • interviews with community stakeholders
  • online survey
  • an in-person public open house

How can I share my ideas about potential uses for the property?

The easiest way to share your comments is by completing the survey before the closing date of March 1. Similarly, questions, comments and ideas can be submitted by email, phone, or in writing on or before March 1, 2024. 

Read more abut the study in the Information and Consent Letter.

Study Information and Research Consent Letter  

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