Hopes high, but big Weyburn building still empty

A company that bought the old psychiatric hospital in Weyburn, Sask., is running out of time to make a million-dollar renovation.

Thesprawling structureon Queen Street that used to house the Souris Valley Hospital was sold by the city to DistributionCanada.com, a Toronto-based company with links to China.

The selling price was a dollar, but DistributionCanada.com signed a contract promising to renovate the building so it could be used as an exhibition and warehousing facility whereChinese manufacturers would display their wares for North American retailers.

The company is supposed to spend $1 million by the end of the year. If the building isn't fixed up, ownership reverts back to the city.

So far, the only investment has been $3,000 spent mowing the grass at the site.

John Lee, one of the founding partners of DistributionCanada.com, insists the project is still on track.

"We will definitely send the money there," he said.

Lee said he's had trouble getting visas for potential investors from China.

He was unable to say when repairs might start or if he would be able to meet the deadline.

On the company's website, the Weyburn facility is described in the present tense as "500,000 square feet of exhibition and warehousing space on 65 acres of land. A phase II development is planned for 250 acres of industrial park."

People in Weyburn, including Mayor Debra Button, would like to see more evidence of progress.

"Obviously we'd like to see some some money put into the building," she said. "Something to indicate to us that you are serious. You know, that's just good business."

Button said she's still optimistic the deal will work out.