Setback request for hotel leads to lengthy meeting

By Ron Giofu

A proposed zoning bylaw amendment for a possible Dalhousie St. boutique hotel brought over two-and-ahalf hours of discussion, pro and con, of the plan.

The zoning bylaw amendment would, if granted, reduce the rear yard setback from 7.5-metres to zero for the hotel proposed for 256 Dalhousie St. Town council voted to have the comments summarized into a future report to council, one that is anticipated in May.

Moira Davidson, an urban planner with Stantec, made a presentation to town council at last Tuesday’s special council meeting regarding the proposed hotel that Black Dog Entertainment’s Richard and Colleen Peddie wish to bring to Amherstburg. Davidson said it would be a five-storey “mixed use” property with 15 hotel suites, a restaurant and a retail establishment, the latter later revealed to be a bicycle rental outlet. Two of the suites will be accessible with 12 having private balconies, she said.

According to Davidson, all zoning bylaw provisions for the proposed hotel have been met with the exception of the rear yard setback that is being requested. The size is zoned commercial general.

“The proposed building is heritage inspired and designed with premium and quality finishes. The proposed hotel will provide a continuous façade that matches the characteristics of the adjacent buildings,” said Davidson.

Access will be available from the front along Dalhousie St. and also from the rear along what is also known as Water St. Rear yard relief would allow the business district to remain “compact” and assist with serving pedestrians efficiently, she told council.

There is a “wide realm and wide breadth” of support, Davidson added, noting some came from Amherstburg

Freedom Museum president Monty Logan, Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) CEO Gordon Orr, real estate agents and Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) president Dan Gemus.

Councillor Diane Pouget noted the request for the 7.5-meter setback elimination translates into almost 25-feet when converted. Pouget said “we get so many complaints about the lack of parking” and questioned the proponents where the visitors would park and unload luggage.

“I expect that would be on Dalhousie St.,” said Colleen Peddie. “As you know, we are zoned and not required to have parking for the building. There are 312 spots within a three-minute walk and 549 within a sixminute walk.”

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