As work continues on the Elora Mill north of the Grand River, Pearle Hospitality is setting its sights south to the former Little Folks administration building.
On Nov. 20, the township agreed to lift of holding provisions on the administration property only – not all Pearle-owned lands.
“I’m pleased to say … work is well underway on the Elora Mill,” said managing director of planning Brett Salmon .
“Pearle Hospitality is interested in proceeding with what will be the first part of the redevelopment on the south side of the river: the redevelopment of the Little Folks administration building.”
Salmon said the building has been vacant at the intersection of Carleton Place and Victoria Street since Little Folks shut down.
While the building is zoned C1, it is in a holding zone which requires the property owner to complete a heritage impact assessment/conservation plan, submit a site plan for approval and a site-specific planning bylaw that gives council some control in reviewing the exterior design of the building.
Following review of the various plans, Salmon said the requirements have been fulfilled.
The existing owner, Pearle Hospitality, wishes to convert the existing two-storey, 626m2 building into a proposed wedding chapel and office space.
Councillor Stephen Kitras asked for clarification as to how much of the Pearle Lands will be affected.
He noted one map suggests the Pearle holdings extend right to the river.
Salmon said the township’s comprehensive zoning bylaw divided the Pearle property into different zones.
He said this lifting is specifically for the Little Folks administration property. He added the same requirements would apply to each section before the holding provision removal.
CAO Andy Goldie added that as the overall process continues there will be negotiations for public access and underground infrastructure, which is all part of the site plan approval process.
Councillor Fred Morris asked if this was a change to the development, noting he believed there was discussion about reusing the stone in construction.
Salmon clarified that Pearle’s plan was to retain and rebuild the administration building. He explained it is the Walser building beside the river which is under consideration for demolition and reuse.
Salmon added that even though the township had stopped up and transferred Ross Street and portions of Victoria Street to Pearle, there are still easements to allow public access.
“As the other portions of development go through the site plan approval process, additional easements will be negotiated,” he said.
Council agreed to lift the holding provision on the former Little Folks administration building property.
