Centre Wellington is bringing in an outside firm to help deal with planning issues related to Pearle Hospitality’s redevelopment of the Elora Mill.
On May 25, councillors authorized the tendering for a qualified multi-disciplinary firm to provide professional advice in the development review process and development agreement, and in preparing correspondence and reports on the proposed multi-million dollar project from Pearle Hospitality (formerly Landmark Development).
CAO Andy Goldie said in previous strategic development meetings council had discussed ways to help the Pearle development proposal move along to fruition.
At the same time, the township needs to maintain due diligence to ensure township requirements and policies are met, Goldie stated, adding several large plans of subdivision are currently being dealt with by the planning department.
“Senior staff decided it would be appropriate to go out and seek assistance from a multi-disciplinary firm,” said Goldie, who stressed the costs would be borne by the developer.
“Because of the scale and complexity of the development we felt (this is) the best way to provide professional advice … in respect to the proposed Pearle Hospitality development.”
Mayor Kelly Linton stressed the firm would still report to the planning department.
Due to time frames involved, Goldie asked that the tender award committee be allowed to approve the firm and then report back to council with its choice.
“We want to make that decision before the next council (meeting),” said Goldie.
Councillor Don Fisher asked who sits on the committee. Goldie said typically it is comprised of himself, director of infrastructure Colin Baker and director of planning and development Brett Salmon.
Goldie said since any costs incurred by the township will be paid for by the developer, the only real financial impact to the township is in planning services.
Councillor Fred Morris wanted assurances the consultant would be working in the township interests – not the developer’s.
Goldie said the developers are amenable to covering the costs and want to move the project ahead to ground breaking.
“This is the most appropriate way to give our staff the resources to make this happen,” he said.
