Sometimes it’s the small steps that make the most difference.
On Nov. 19, Centre Wellington councillors approved application OP33/08 as well as a bylaw to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 6.
The amendment is one of the first steps to allow the Landmark Group’s development of the Little Folks property in Elora next to the Grand River.
The proposal includes a hotel, new retail commercial uses and a residential condominium development.
Planning director Brett Salmon said “there was a very successful public meeting a few weeks ago regarding this application on the project and the economic opportunities it represents.”
While Salmon agreed this is a multi-part application, he said the official plan amendment was the only part being brought forward at this time.
He said the development will appropriately direct growth to the settlement area which has full municipal services.
Salmon added the proposal also provides economic opportunities and contributes to the revitalization of the Elora central business district.
Further, he saw this as facilitating the redevelopment of a brownfield site for mixed-use development, and the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings.
Salmon said there are plans for the protection of natural and cultural heritage features. He added this work will also facilitate the formal development of public and pedestrian access along the shore of the Grand River.
He explained what is proposed will allow a mix of residential and commercial use. Salmon said this proposal meets provincial growth policies and Wellington County and Centre Wellington official plans in terms of their objectives.
The proposal also meets directives to increase economic development and intensification within urban boundaries, plus adaptively reuse existing buildings, he added.
“With its extensive frontage on the Grand River, good road access and proximity to the central business district, the site has significant potential for redevelopment,” said Salmon. “It is the municipality’s intention that this site be redeveloped with mixed commercial and secondary residential uses, provided appropriate planning studies are undertaken.”
He noted redevelopment of the site will require the preparation of a secondary plan prior to considering any zoning by-law amendments.
He also explained the current agreement with the landowner is only for access and maintenance of the trail along the river.
“The intention is that with this development that trail will be made permanent, and we will get the appropriate long-term legal tools to make that happen,” said Salmon.
“My conclusion is that this application meets all the provincial policy tests.”
However, he also said there are a number of other items which still need to be addressed, including zoning bylaw amendments, site plan approvals and condominium approvals.
“As this works it way through the system, there may be more detailed studies which will need to be done.”
Salmon said he was pleased to bring this forward “and a thorough job has been done by all concerned.” He considered the proposal has an excellent foundation because of the studies already completed.
“I am prepared to recommend approval,” Salmon concluded.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj called the report, “A lovely read. You get a real idea of what the project is all about.”
All the bases have been covered, she added. Those sentiments were echoed by various councillors.
Kelly Linton said, “This is a great project and the report reflects that.”
Walt Visser said providing the information studies along with the application “makes all the difference in the world.”
He added it was refreshing to see all the bases covered and the answering of potential questions before they were asked.
Visser said the majority of questions posed at the public meeting had already been answered in the report.
Council subsequently approved application OP33/08 and adopted the official plan amendment.
