There is little in the way of new information for Centre Wellington councillors on the proposed redevelopment of the Elora Mill and Little Folks property here, but proponents say the project is moving full steam ahead.
On March 23, Centre Wellington’s managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon provided a status report on the project – as per information available to the municipality.
Salmon noted that in February council had requested the update “They’ve recently changed their name to Pearle Hospitality.”
He added the report was intended to outline the approvals and how things are moving along.
“It’s a short report and I wish I could state things were further along than they are.”
Salmon said of the work on the Elora Mill, the owner has been issued building permits to allow the demolition of interior finishes.
The purpose is to expose the structure so that heritage consultants, engineers and architects can look at the structural elements of the building.
As for site development, Salmon said the owner is still in consultation with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) about the impact of development.
The site is largely in the flood plain of the Grand River and any redevelopment of the site will require a permit from the GRCA.
In terms of the heritage designation bylaw, Salmon said the owner has retained a heritage consultant who is working in consultation with township staff and Heritage Centre Wellington on a revised heritage designation bylaw that will include a statement of significance and identify the heritage attributes to be protected on the property.
He said the identification of the heritage attributes is a necessary step prior to the preparation of any heritage impact assessment or conservation plan.
It will also determine the scope of any heritage permits required by the township in association with the renovations.
Salmon said the redevelopment of the Elora Mill Inn will also require site plan approval if any additions to the footprint of the existing buildings are requested.
As for work on the south side of the Grand River, Salmon noted that council adopted a secondary plan for the Little Folks factory land in November 2012, and a zoning by-law amendment was later passed in May 2013.
That secondary plan and the zoning amendment were based on conceptual development plans that were prepared by the previous owner, LFL Properties, and well as early development concepts prepared by the Landmark Group.
In the time since the adoption of the zoning amendment, the owner has assembled a team of architects and engineers to prepare detailed development plans – which will require site plan approval.
“To our knowledge such plans are under development but not yet complete. There has been no application for site plan approval.”
Additional approvals or agreements yet to be completed include the following:
– Submission and approval of a Heritage Impact Assessment and Conservation Plan;
– Submission and approval of site plans pursuant to Section 41 of the Planning Act;
– Negotiation of any development agreements with the township such as land acquisition, park dedication, parking, financing of external services, etc.
Consultant Tim Dobbie, representing Pearle Hospitality, stated, “I’ve been instructed to get the project moving quick … That’s what we’re doing.”
He suggested part of the approval process slowed down last year in part due to the 2014 municipal elections.
“For us it is full speed ahead down there now,” Dobbie said.
