Heather Wright/The Independent

The Town of Petrolia is offering up a vacant, land locked property on Eureka Street for sale.

But the man who donated it to the town says he’ll fight the move in court.

Staff first suggested selling the land in April 2024. Developer Horst Richter had donated the land to the town in 2014. He told council at that time, the administration and politicians knew the land was to be developed as a park.

The town cleaned up the property, and a plan for townhouses appeared right beside the vacant land. Construction on the development has not started yet. Plans for a park didn’t materialize.

“Staff originally produced several concepts of what these lands could be used for to engage public enjoyment, unfortunately with further research into each of the concepts it proved not feasible to proceed,” Mandi Pearson, director of legal services wrote in a report to council.

When Richter handed out a letter from his lawyer contesting the move, Mayor Brad Loosley shut the conversation down. 

In December, the item came forward again, and again Richter protested.

June 6, the town issued a notice of Surplus Land on the town’s website saying it would be accepting bids for the property for one month. If a suitable buyer didn’t materialize in the process, the town would put the land up for sale.

Richter was in the council chambers when council moved through the agenda which included the notice. But he said nothing publicly.

After the meeting Richter said his lawyer retired and didn’t follow up with the town. But, he says, he’s hired another lawyer who is keen to make sure Richter’s gift is used for parkland. He has said he wants the land back if it is not used for that purpose.