A Markham-based developer is proposing to demolish the former Beaver Theatre in downtown Minden and construct an apartment building.

Shamsher Khemani, CAO of Fortune Realty Developers Limited, made a delegation to Minden Hills’ Dec. 17 council meeting. He was joined by Rahim Lakhani, who purchased the building. Lahkani said he is still involved but had moved to Portugal for personal reasons, so Khemani is now the lead. Joe Ferrara of Napa Valley Contracting also joined the meeting.

They came to request that council waive the need for an environmental study at 12 Water St., and in so doing, provided details about their plans.

“We are proposing a beautiful apartment building on the same lands,” Lakhani said. Their project is a three-storey building with 12, one and two-bedroom apartments and a commercial component.

Lakhani said when he purchased the building with the intent of refurbishing it as a theatre, there were soil and engineering reports but no evidence of environmental concerns. He added the building had never been used as a commercial laundromat or gas station, which may have caused contamination.

They want the condition waived, “to take that eyesore off and put a beautiful building that overlooks the Gull River,” Lakhani said.

Khemani said it would provide much-needed housing, including for seniors. He added that due to Lakhani’s overseas move and COVID the project has been slowed but they are now ready to proceed. However, Ferrara said they’re “at a crossroads and a standstill” if an environmental study is needed. He said it could add one to one-and-a-half years to the project timeline.

Mayor Brent Devolin said the development of an old property into something that serves the community is “exciting and we’re definitely in support of that.” However, he said he would like to see a full staff report, with all of the documents, to the Jan. 28, 2021 meeting.

Coun. Bob Carter, who is the chair of the housing task force, said he would certainly welcome any housing projects in the community. However, he needs more information.

Coun. Jean Neville said she would like to see architectural renderings of the façade to see if it is esthetically pleasing from the road. She commented she thought the apartments were a bit small and wanted more information about access and parking.

Coun. Jennifer Hughey said she welcomed more housing in Minden but needs more information as well.

“This is the first time that I’m hearing about it and if that’s the case then I would assume it’s the first time that most of us are hearing about it and therefore do need more information before making a decision,” she said.

Ferrara said they are 95 per cent ready to go and can supply all information to staff. Council received the delegation as information only.

The board of directors for Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers is appealing to the public for help to save the non-profit organization from closing.

“KH Crime Stoppers, along with many charities in light of COVID, has seen a drop in donations and their charitable events this past year,” said president Gary Burns.

“It would be a very sad day for Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes if the local Crime Stoppers program closed.”

The organization, which receives no federal or provincial government funding and relies solely on individual and corporate donations, held a recent meeting to discuss its future.

“We believe that a responsible board must consider all options and have plans in place,” Burns said.

“We will do everything in our power to keep this vital service available to the community, including asking the community we serve for help.”

The local program offers numerous benefits to the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, according to Burns, including the ability for individuals to report crime anonymously. He said the option gives people who may be in vulnerable situations or fearful of their safety the avenue they need.

“They are never required to testify, and we don’t collect any identifying information,” he said.

Haliburton Highlands OPP detachment commander, Liane Spong, said many tips to Crime Stoppers have led to arrests, charges and property being recovered.

The local Crime Stoppers has helped police make more than 419 arrests, kept $34,171,283 worth of drugs off the street, resulted in $1,960,182 of returned property, and contributed information for up to 70 weapons seized, over the course of the program’s life, Burns said.

Spong said the OPP is firmly committed to the program, including supporting Crime Stoppers coordinators through their OPP Community Safety Services Bureau.

“I hope in light of Crime Stoppers distributing a media release outlining their need for assistance, the community will rally behind their program in 2021 to ensure this service continues,” she said.

“Crime Stoppers is an invaluable investigative tool for Ontario police services across the province, the country and here at the Haliburton Highlands OPP detachment as well. The transfer of intelligence is a critical piece in our mission to serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.” Burns said.

“With everything we hear in the news, read in the paper, or see online about drugs and crime in our community, we can’t afford to lose this program.

“The board of directors is committed to looking at new ways to secure donations and funds to continue to operate, but we will need help.”

Burns asks that people consider making a donation, which can be done online at khcrimestoppers.com, by cheque made payable to “Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers Inc” mailed to PO BOX 155, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R8 or for sponsorship or other inquiries email admin@ khcrimestoppers.com.

In addition Burns said, “We are also looking for additional board members who are looking to volunteer a little of their time and expertise.”