Landmark Developments is planning to set the foundations this year for the redevelopment of the Elora Mill.
Landmark project manager Brian Blackmere was at Centre Wellington council on Jan. 20 to update council on the project, which Landmark estimates will generate $22.7 million in wages and over $2.3 million in local development charges.
“We’ve come through a very interesting 2013,” Blackmere said.
He added it may not seem that a lot has happened at the site over the past year, “but we actually accomplished a great deal.” Blackmere explained the original concept and planning applications have changed.
The proposal includes the sister inn to the Elora Mill, the glazed lobby connected to a convention/banquet facility, residential condos, and the re-purposed Walser Factory shell and Little Folks administration buildings.
The re-purposed buildings at the end of Victoria Street were to have fronted onto a piazza leading onto a reinstated Victoria Street bridge.
He pointed to the proposed pedestrian bridge between the sister inns.
“To me, this is the solution to the commercial viability of the Elora Mill,” Blackmere said. He added if the bridge was not possible, “We would have to rethink this entire development.”
As such, in 2013 the first order of business was to pursue approvals for the bridge. Applications were made in March, with work permits received in November.
That required approvals from the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources, consultation with Six Nations’ officials, a mini environmental assessment, and dealing with the Surveyor General of Canada.
The work permit allowed the demolition of the old piers to make way for the construction of new piers across the Grand River between the Mill properties.
“We are in a position where we can move ahead,” Blackmere said.
Blackmere said next on the agenda was a competition for architects for the south side of the river.
“We were looking for not only sound ideas, but sensitivity to the site.” He said part of that work included relaying ideas of what the interior design requirements would be.
The firm of MTE was brought in to design the infrastructure required – water, sewer and stormwater services.
Blackmere said a key item in the process has been the monthly meetings with senior township staff to assist in the multiple initiatives being brought forward.
“We’ve got a lot on the table,” he said.
He said between now and July the intent is to sort out cost-sharing and have a development agreement hammered out.
He noted another architect has been brought on board to deal with the restoration of the original Elora Mill building.
“There are some infrastructure issues, but primarily it is a restoration.”
One of the changes to that building is the construction of a two-story dining area overlooking the river.
Part of the work includes development of a hydro facility, for which a public meeting was held in October. Blackmere said the technical and design work is complete and the turbine is being manufactured in Germany.
He also made note of Landmark’s sponsorship of both Millfest and the Horse and Hound Parade.
Blackmere said events such as those are important and underscore the intent of developing the Elora Mill as a four-seasons destination.
“We believe there is a lot of room to grow with these events.”
The original mill will be left much as it is, but with elements of that building mirrored in the south side development.
One big change is to the town-owned triangular property towards Metcalfe Street (currently used as municipal parking). That will now be vacant until there is a conclusion to the land issues.
However, Blackmere said one idea proposed is to use that riverbank to create a waterfront park and performance centre with possibly a platform built over the river making use of the riverbank to create amphitheatre-style seating.
He added reconstruction of the Victoria Street bridge continues to be a public realm element.
On the south side of the river, the re-purposed Walser building would become a wedding chapel that would overlook the river. The chapel would be at the beginning of a pedestrian promenade that will flow past the convention/banquet facility and new retail outlets.
He added the community trail would continue along the river front to meet with the natural trail system.
Blackmere said the main lobby of the south side facility would have reflecting pools and waterfalls as it connects the banquet facility to the hotel and to the pedestrian bridge across the river to the original mill building.
Another major change will be the configuration of condominium development. Now the development is stepped back to avoid a cavern-like feeling of having a six-storey development right next to the trail.
“The buildings have been reoriented into a U-shape so that every room has the ability to view either the river or open space,” said Blackmere.
There is also a landscaped courtyard between the buildings, he explained, noting, “We did not forget about the public elements.”
He said the trail system proposed is an added feature for Elora.
Blackmere said the current proposal does include a couple of suspension bridges.
“We are looking at the costs at this time.”
He spoke to the proposed two-level parking structure and to street parking on Carlton and adjacent to the LCBO store.
Blackmere said other public elements to be addressed include properties surrounding the roundabout at Metcalfe and McNabb Streets.
He said this area would highly benefit from design to create “a sense of arrival in Elora.”
Landmark’s objectives for 2014 include getting building permits for the restoration of the Elora Mill, getting approval of site plans and beginning the infrastructure work on the south side of the river, and work on the hydro facility.
Blackmere anticipates if tenders go well, construction of the hydro facility could begin as early as May. He said these plans would result in a lot of construction activity on both sides of the Grand River this year.
Blackmere cited a number of economic benefits to the community. He estimated the project will create 205 full-time jobs, 40 part-time jobs and five on-site maintenance jobs. “This is going to be a busy site with lots of people involved in various trades,” Blackmere said.
Landmark estimates construction of the facility will generate $22.7 million in wages and development charges of $1,759,523 for Centre Wellington, $505,080 for Wellington County and $193,253 for school boards.
Councillor Walt Visser said, “This is probably the biggest thing which has happened in my political career for Centre Wellington. I wish you every success.”
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen appreciated seeing the job projections.
“It’s nice to see development increase employment rather than us trying to somehow create it.”
Blackmere also clarified townhouses have been removed from the project, noting, “In hindsight, they didn’t make sense.”
Councillor Mary Lloyd thanked Landmark for both the work to preserve the trail system and the potential creation of an outdoor performance area.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj noted that May is not that far away. “We’re going to be very busy, but it is a very exciting time,” she said.
Blackmere said … “if you’re going to do something worthwhile, it is going to be time consuming and difficult. We are not striving for mediocrity, we want this to be an excellent project.”
