Centre Wellington councillors sitting as committee of the whole have approved zoning that will eventually allow Loblaws to build a new store almost kitty corner to the current Zehrs, on the west side of Tower Street South.
Planner Brett Salmon said the application has been around for several years and the owners, Loblaws, will still have to meet the township’s site plan requirements and have the holding zone removed before work can begin – possibly next year.
The 20-acre parcel of land is almost directly across from Zellers, and McQueen Boulevard would be extended when a subdivision to the north of the new store gets started.
Salmon explained the subdivision proposal by Mazta Holdings allows the extension and Loblaws will have to complete agreements with Mazta Holdings for access to McQueen Boulevard.
The township was planning to reconstruct Tower Street and is looking for a contribution from Loblaws, Salmon noted in his report. He also said the township is trying to resolve outstanding appeals against its development charges bylaw from Loblaws.
He added Loblaws has already received a severance for 20 acres for the retail site and parking, as well as other stores, from the balance of the other lands it owns on the west side of Tower Street. Completing the zoning is necessary to fulfill the severance conditions.
Salmon said it is understandable that Loblaws is “reluctant to make commitments with regard to these agreements without appropriate zoning in place.
He added that the official plan restricts the amount of retail floor space, sets a maximum parking space provision, a minimum landscaped area provision, and holding zone provisions.
Salmon said the company can build a series of retail outlets with a minimum of 3,000 square feet each. He said that protects downtown merchants because 95% of the stores in the downtowns of Elora and Fergus do not have 3,000 square feet.
Foster said the total plaza can be 145,000 square feet, with the store itself having a maximum of 42,000 square feet. Other retail outlets would take up the rest of the space.
Planning committee chairman Shawn Watters said he is glad to know that there will be provision for landscaped areas, and wanted to know about protection of hedgerows on the property. He asked if there is protection for some of that.
Salmon said there is and it is included in the agreement. He said council had gone through a similar exercise with the development of the old high school in Fergus.
Councillors then approved the zoning bylaw amendment. It is subject to ratification by the full council when it meets next.
Councillors Fred Morris and Ron Hallman were absent.
