The announcement last week about a greenhouse coming to London by mayoral hopeful Joe Swan may have been premature.
Swan suggested the $50-million investment and the 250 jobs that would go with it, could be only six months away.
Swan said a Leamington investor wanted to build the greenhouse complex on property next to the landfill off Wellington Road S.
Swan said proof would come this week from city staff.
There is now a report going to the Corporate Services Committee next Tuesday, but in the five pages, only three paragraphs reference the greenhouse.
The report states: "The developer was encouraged to prepare a concept plan and apply for site plan consultation...(but) the developer chose not to take advantage of this process."
It says minimal information was provided.
The developer is being encouraged to look for private land while the city examines potential opportunities on city-owned property.
Swan says the report confirms his belief that London needs a mayor experienced in cutting through red tape.
“I think that is the very issue the investor had. It seemed to be stuck in the mud and red tape at city hall. An inability to see it moving forward,” he says.
Coun. Matt Brown, who is also running for mayor, had a different take on the report, calling it a concept.
“We have been down this road before. We have seen many empty promises made over the past three and a half years."
Swan says Brown’s attitude is why London has lost out on other opportunities and needs a mayor who can move things forward.
“If we don't take the initiative, if we don't take leadership, then this opportunity might land in St Thomas or Woodstock or elsewhere.
Brown still argues there will be support when it is more than just a concept.
“When we have a project that is real that we can get behind, I know that we will be supportive.”
