In 2016, Dominique and James were recruited to work as an Emergency Department Physician and Health Researcher, respectively, at Health Sciences North in Sudbury. Dominique and James are proud Laurentian University Alumni, who collectively have obtained five degrees from Laurentian University.
Shortly after occupying their first home in June 2016, it was brought to Dominique and James’ attention that their backyard (landscaping, maintenance building, and septic system) was encroaching on their neighbour’s property, which happened to be Laurentian University.
After further research by Dominique and James, it was discovered that their purchased property had encroached on Laurentian University lands for more than 13 years and that the 295 square metre encroachment represents 0.0095% of the University’s total property area. After notifying the University of the encroachment, the University presented a formal proposal to Dominique and James asking them to make an offer to the University to purchase the encroached lands at fair market value. Dominique and James acted at Laurentian University’s request and subsequently presented a reasonable offer to purchase the encroached lands from the University, which included more than $12,000 for the property and offer to pay for all fees associated with the transaction.
To Dominique and James’ dismay, Laurentian University rejected their purchase offer without any explanation. Dominique and James presented an alternate proposal to the University, whereby they would exchange equal parts of land (2,891 square metres) with the University as a mutually acceptable way of resolving the issues that are jointly and adversely affecting the respective properties. They also offered to cover all fees associated with the proposed boundary readjustments, including consent, rezoning, planning, and surveying costs. As a gesture of goodwill, they offered to make a donation of $5,000 to the University following completion of the proposed property boundary readjustments. Laurentian University again rejected Dominique and James’ proposal without any explanation.
Laurentian University has refused numerous formal requests for Dominique and James to make deputations at meetings of the University’s Property Development and Planning Committee and Board of Governors. The University has also rejected requests from the Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Sudbury’s Member of Provincial Parliament, for the University to work with Dominique and James to resolve this property matter in a mutually acceptable manner.
Laurentian University has recently conveyed 300 square metres of land to the Idylwylde Golf & Country Club as a way of resolving a separate encroachment involving a tee box.
Dominique and James believe that Laurentian University should perceive the value of their property’s encroachment in the same manner as that of the golf course’s tee box.
Please sign Dominique and James’ petition at: www.lupetition.org