Report to come back before town council on zoning bylaw issue in May

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The reduction at 252 Dalhousie was mentioned, said Brown, but that building has no neighbours to the north and wasn’t to zero. He also told council there are no questions it is a “wonderful development” but the issue is the setback reduction request.

There are 16 points in his report to planning staff that should be addressed before council should move forward, Brown added.

Mayor Michael Prue said the proponents are allowed to build another five metres and suggested another storey to the hotel.

Don Parks, a resident of the Salmoni Condominiums, questioned some of the answers he received at a previous meeting, noting “we have to abide by our bylaws.” He said there are no objections to a hotel in Amherstburg but said the proposal wouldn’t be the answer to accommodating sports tournaments. Parks also cited safety concerns about a wall sticking out that far, adding that by 2025, loading and unloading must be provided that doesn’t hinder the flow of traffic. Issues over public notice were also raised, with the letters going to the condo corporation, though Parks said he didn’t see it.

Parks also expressed concern with the proximity of the proposed building next to the condos and how it would impact the ability to evacuate in case of a fire, should residents have to leave from that side.

Nancy Atkinson said Amherstburg needs a hotel but believed if there is anyone who thinks a hockey team can use this hotel, “you are right out to lunch.” She said the focus is on tourists, but she said she has lived in Amherstburg for over 70 years and “what about me?” She questioned how hockey players, figure skaters and her guests could afford it.

“If I hear the words ‘elite, high end’ one more time, perhaps I need to need to move to Puce because I prefer low-end Amherstburg, not high-end for the rich and famous,” said Atkinson.

Jan Ouellette said she and her husband are longterm residents and believed while the town needs a hotel, it has to be more affordable. She called for the town to “be realistic and put that on the table.”

Adam Fox said the town is not desperate for tourism and that residents already enjoy the downtown. He also asked where such things as garbage bins will go. He also pointed out parking issues.

Del Oxford was another issue that pointed out “elite, high-end” adjectives and asked about hotel rates, but Prue said they have no control over that as a council. Oxford said hockey teams and the like can’t afford expensive rates.

John Oltrop noted he owns two units in the Salmoni Condos, citing safety issues. He said he has already lost tenants due to the concerns.

“The hotel can happen, but not the setback,” he said.

Prue said he expects the report back on the issue to be a “voluminous” one.