Councillors put heat on Bowman to patch up relationship with CentreVenture

There is pressure from some city councillors for the mayor to patch things up with CentreVenture to help push True North's mega development forward.

Under a directive from Mayor Brian Bowman, council ordered CentreVenture to put the former Carlton Inn site out for expressions of interest or give up $3.75 million in funding.

Bowman was critical of the fact the development agency did what he called a secret deal with True North for the property without a competitive bid process.

Now, councillors Russ Wyatt and Ross Eadie say the expression of interest provision may have to be revisited.

Wyatt says the city shouldn't jeopardize the $400 million True North plan that includes the Carlton site.

Weeks ago, True North's Mark Chipman blasted the mayor for characterizing the project as secret because he had shown Bowman a video of the concept.

Chipman then said he is reconsidering the entire development.

Bowman did not say he is open to removing the expression of interest but did stress he has a meeting planned to sit down with CentreVenture officials.

• 

  Bowman was critical of the fact the development agency did what he called a secret deal with True North for the property without a competitive bid process. (file image)