Jason Collins 'shocked' by OMB decision on Pure Platinum

Truth be known, Ward 6 Councillor Jason Collins never expected the City would win its Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing against the proposed Pure Platinum strip club on Gore Street.

Behind the scenes, there was little optimism on either side of the issue that the OMB would block Martin Fiser's application.

"I'm shocked. City staff were confident we would lose," said Collins, who together with Ward 2 counterpart Terry Sheehan worked to mobilize initial community opposition to the downtown adult entertainment establishment.

"I'm very pleased. The OMB has certsainly proven its ability to respond to the needs of our community," Collins said.

"In this case, it's clear the location was the primary issue for the OMB. They agreed with the mayor that it wouldn't bring added value to that part of town."

What swayed the OMB

In a three-page decision released today, the OMB said it was convinced by evidence from Mayor John Rowswell and others that the Gore Street neighbourhood would suffer "real adverse impacts" if Pure Platinum was allowed to locate there.

"What has convinced the board to reject the rezoning is the impassioned pleas of existing business owners and residents, as well as the forceful and articulate evidence of the mayor," the decision stated.

"The issue in part relates to image and in part to what quality of life residents and business owners ought reasonably to expect," the OMB said.

"I'm very proud of the mayor," Collins told SooToday.com. "He has served our community well in his defence of City Council's decision."