Another hurdle has been crossed with the approval of the heritage permit application for the Elora Mill project.
On March 21, Centre Wellington’s committee of the whole endorsed approval of the application for the Elora Mill project buildings on the north side of the Grand River.
Prior to discussion, councillor Don Fisher declared a conflict as he owns property in the area of the development.
Delegations speaking on the heritage permit included Janet Harrop, past chair of the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce; Fred Gordon, Elora BIA; Bob Cameron, area resident; and Brian Blackmere, Pearle Hospitality.
Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Harrop said the chamber believes a strong business community provides opportunities for both businesses and residents. She said many local businesses rely on tourism traffic, events and conferences hosted within the municipality.
Harrop said the “conference centre and job opportunities, is something we’ve been waiting a long time for.” She said Pearle Hospitality is working hard to make Centre Wellington a “go-to” place for events, weddings, excursions and new business opportunities.
She added she recognized the importance of retaining the heritage qualities of the existing buildings and site, which will be part of the charm and atmosphere of the new complex.
Harrop also recognized the arduous steps taken by Pearle to meet the heritage requirements.
“The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce respectfully and whole-heartedly supports the approval of the heritage plan, so the permit can be issued and the plan can move forward,” Harrop said.
Elora BIA
Gordon said “on behalf of the 100 shops and services, we wish to approach the committee to make clear our total support for Pearle Hospitality’s request for a heritage permit allowing modification to the Elora Mill properties.
“Like everyone else, the BIA has been concerned with the length of time it has taken to get the shovels into the ground to get this project going.”
He continued, “From day one Pearle has shown a willingness to be involved with the BIA and our community.” Gordon also mentioned Pearle’s involvement in the annual Horse and Hound fundraiser for Groves hospital and the Ice Jam concert series.
“We have reviewed the proposed elevations and conceptual drawings. The proposed renderings on the buildings, which will have a direct impact on our catchment area, look amazing,” said Gordon, noting the plans will mesh with the unique nature of the village of Elora.
“If we allow and support change, it supports the long-term viability of these buildings. If we stop all changes we risk demolition because of neglect. We sincerely believe our heritage buildings encourage tourism and thereby economic security for downtown Elora.
“We are confident … Pearle’s plans will blend with the mysterious and enigmatic charm of our village.”
He also said he believes there is a “silent majority” in the community that supports the long-term goals of a beautiful facility bringing economic prosperity to the village.
“We stand on the precipice of something that will indeed forever change the face of our village,” said Gordon.
Bob Cameron
Area resident Bob Cameron said he grew up in Centre Wellington and now owns a business in the community.
He too said he believes the silent majority will not say anything if they support something – and only the naysayers come forward.
“I am here to absolutely and enthusiastically support Pearle Hospitality’s project on both sides of the river,” said Cameron.
He saw several benefits of the project, including the invigoration of the business community, the restoration of the Victoria Street pedestrian bridge, permanent access and connection to walking trails along the gorge, a hydroelectric project, and residential condos on the south side of the river.
Though the project is being built in three phases, Cameron said every time he tries to estimate the shear scale of the project, “it always exceeds $100-million in construction in downtown Elora.”
Though construction is messy and disruptive, “over the long haul, we are going to have an absolutely world-class development … and it’s going to be worth the wait.”
Once operating, Pearle Hospitality estimates the creation of over 200 full-time jobs, Cameron said, adding, “For a 150-year-old building to function in today’s world it has to make economic sense.”
He noted too often economics take heritage buildings off of life support, whereupon they fall into disrepair and die.
Cameron said there are a lot of heritage naysayers in the community who are fixated on the idea that buildings must be redeveloped exactly how they were in the past.
“Let’s face it, a 150-year-old building designed as a mill, cannot work as a five-star hotel and restaurant,” said Cameron.
He noted he has seen what Pearle has done with the Cambridge and Ancaster Mills and, “I believe the Elora Mill will be even better.”
Pearle Hospitality
Project manager Brian Blackmere of Pearle Hospitality said it was a pleasure to be before councillors after “a long journey.”
Blackmere offered thanks to all members of the heritage committee, in addition to Centre Wellington planner Mariana Iglesias and township consultant Stantec.
Iglesias provided an overview of the heritage permit application for restoration and rehabilitation work for the Elora Mill site.
The permit is required as the property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
She noted that while detailed plans were received for the five buildings of the redevelopment site – only three are included in the application and are subject to the permit.
The scope of the permit includes rehabilitation work on the mill building, with creation of an atrium and two-storey addition, rehabilitation of the James Ross house for use as an administration centre and rehabilitation of the Mill House with additional hotel rooms.
Iglesias noted the stable ruins and proposed private pedestrian bridge are not part of the heritage application; they will be subject to future heritage permit applications.
“Staff is recommending approval of the heritage permit application subject to conditions,” said Iglesias, who noted the next step would be site plans and building permits.
Council comments
Mayor Kelly Linton said “right off the top I want to say the partnership approach taken by staff, the heritage committee and Pearle … you are to be congratulated for that.”
With a project this complex and large, “right from day one, it’s been a partnership approach – not antagonistic. It is clear it has to continue.”
Councillor Stephen Kitras asked if there was any request for additional delegations from those opposed to the mill project.
Clerk Kerri O’Kane said staff received no phone calls or emails from individuals requesting to be a delegation.
Councillor Mary Lloyd added “we are looking at a huge project for the future of our community.” She said 300 people came out to the recent public open house with overwhelming comments of support and excitement. She said it seemed the major comments were to the effect of “hurry up and get going.”
Lloyd believed that in 25 to 50 years from now people are going to look back at this “visionary” step and the difference it has made to the community.
Councillor Fred Morris, who noted the community has patiently waited for something to happen, said, “I think this will open a new chapter in our community … that shouldn’t be surprising.
“We’re only at the beginning, but I think it is going to be exciting and economically productive for our community.”
Councillor Kirk McElwain asked for clarification as to whether there were outstanding issues with the Grand River Conservation Authority.
Iglesias said the GRCA has been heavily involved in the process all along.
Kitras added “this development is outstanding and will be epic in changing Elora and Centre Wellington. There was the founding of Elora, and now this is probably absolutely a new beginning of our community.”
Kitras said the investment of this much money will transform the town – “It will never be the same.”
Centre Wellington councillors approved the heritage permit application for 77 West Mill Street – except for the mill stable portion – under a number of conditions aimed at preserving the heritage aspects of the buildings and consultation with the township staff and the heritage committee.
Councillors’ passage of the application drew a round of applause from the audience.
