The Ontario Land Tribunal has issued a final order dismissing a developer’s appeals for the Randwood Estate, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cherished historic sites.
Developer Solmar (Niagara 2) Inc.’s appeal for the properties at 200 John St. E and 588 Charlotte St. has been officially rejected, according to an April 17 news release by the Town.
To date, no planning approvals or heritage permits have been granted to develop the estate or alter its heritage features.
But Solmar could submit a new application, or if Solmar sold the property, another developer could, said the town’s director of community and development services Kirsten McCauley, in an email to The Lake Report.
McCauley confirmed that the town accepted the decision issued by the tribunal.
On April 11, Solmar informed the tribunal that it was not ready to proceed with the necessary studies and revisions for its proposed subdivision.
As a result, the tribunal issued the final order, dismissing the appeal.
On Oct. 11, the tribunal ruled that Solmar’s proposal for a 172-unit subdivision on Randwood Estate required significant revisions before approval could be granted.
The proposal raised concerns for the tribunal about public interest, planning, cultural heritage and tree protection.
While the site was zoned for residential development in the town’s official plan and the approved official plan amendment, the tribunal argued Solmar still needed to revise the plan.
The tribunal also identified issues with the development’s vehicle access, stormwater management and environment and infrastructure.
It instructed the developer to conduct further studies and revisions, including complying with requirements under Section 2 of the Ontario Planning Act and better preserving key heritage features, like the estate’s pool garden and bath pavilion.
The Randwood Estate is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, says McCauley.
The tribunal gave Solmar two months to confirm whether it would complete the required studies and revisions based on its October 2024 decision. Solmar challenged the order, requesting a reconsideration of certain aspects of the ruling.
On Jan. 28, the tribunal dismissed Solmar’s challenge and stated that Solmar’s arguments were without merit.
Dismissing it later, on Jan. 28, gave Solmar additional time, from the issuance of the dismissal, to make the necessary changes.
The tribunal informed Solmar that to move forward, a revised plan would be required, developed in consultation with the town, the Save Our Rand Estate group and nearby residents.
While the Jan. 28 decision was a denial of the appeal, this decision marks the final ruling, now that Solmar has officially decided not to move forward with the requirements.
paigeseburn@niagaranow.com
The Ontario Land Tribunal has issued a final order dismissing a developer’s appeals for the Randwood Estate, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cherished historic sites.
Developer Solmar (Niagara 2) Inc.’s appeal for the properties at 200 John St. E and 588 Charlotte St. has been officially rejected, according to an April 17 news release by the Town.
To date, no planning approvals or heritage permits have been granted to develop the estate or alter its heritage features.
But Solmar could submit a new application, or if Solmar sold the property, another developer could, said the town’s director of community and development services Kirsten McCauley, in an email to The Lake Report.
McCauley confirmed that the town accepted the decision issued by the tribunal.
On April 11, Solmar informed the tribunal that it was not ready to proceed with the necessary studies and revisions for its proposed subdivision.
As a result, the tribunal issued the final order, dismissing the appeal.
On Oct. 11, the tribunal ruled that Solmar’s proposal for a 172-unit subdivision on Randwood Estate required significant revisions before approval could be granted.
The proposal raised concerns for the tribunal about public interest, planning, cultural heritage and tree protection.
While the site was zoned for residential development in the town’s official plan and the approved official plan amendment, the tribunal argued Solmar still needed to revise the plan.
The tribunal also identified issues with the development’s vehicle access, stormwater management and environment and infrastructure.
It instructed the developer to conduct further studies and revisions, including complying with requirements under Section 2 of the Ontario Planning Act and better preserving key heritage features, like the estate’s pool garden and bath pavilion.
The Randwood Estate is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, says McCauley.
The tribunal gave Solmar two months to confirm whether it would complete the required studies and revisions based on its October 2024 decision. Solmar challenged the order, requesting a reconsideration of certain aspects of the ruling.
On Jan. 28, the tribunal dismissed Solmar’s challenge and stated that Solmar’s arguments were without merit.
Dismissing it later, on Jan. 28, gave Solmar additional time, from the issuance of the dismissal, to make the necessary changes.
The tribunal informed Solmar that to move forward, a revised plan would be required, developed in consultation with the town, the Save Our Rand Estate group and nearby residents.
While the Jan. 28 decision was a denial of the appeal, this decision marks the final ruling, now that Solmar has officially decided not to move forward with the requirements.
paigeseburn@niagaranow.com
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