Niagara-on-the-Lake’s planning committee has agreed to rezone a historic property on Queen Street despite pleas from some residents and councillors to reject the proposal by developer Rainer Hummel.
The two-storey property, once owned by Coun. Gary Burroughs, is now owned by Hummel, who applied for the rezoning.
The heritage committee rejected a severance for the property in May and Hummel subsequently altered the plan, creating only one new lot, not two as originally proposed.
The decision was approved last Tuesday in a 5-3 vote, with Burroughs and Couns. Sandra O’Connor and Tim Balasiuk opposed.
Burroughs was responsible for the property’s historic designation more than 20 years ago.
“My wife Sarah and I were the ones who designated that property back in 2002 and we designated it because we took so much pride in the fact that it was a real piece of history in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” he said.
Burroughs said rezoning the heritage property is inconsistent with the goals of the town, which has been “spending a lot of time suggesting designations throughout town.”
“Here we are taking one that’s been designated since 2002 and throwing it out the window,” he said.
“I’m concerned about how we can be promoting designation and not supporting designation.”
O’Connor echoed Burroughs’ feelings, saying that, at a time when the town is aiming to “promote more heritage,” the decision to rezone the property goes against the town’s overall strategic objectives.
While there are neighbourhoods designed for intensification and development, Old Town is not one of them, she added.
Senior town planner Aimee Alderman said she believes the town is protecting heritage while allowing the opportunity for an additional dwelling to be constructed.
The planning report says Hummel’s proposal ensures a “more efficient use of a large residential parcel in an urban area” and allows “appropriate residential infill.”
The heritage home will remain, with the addition of an attached garage and residence above it.
Burroughs said you cannot cut up a designated property and still insist that it is being protected.
Two residents urged the town to reject the rezoning.
John Gibson asked council to take a pause and reconsider. “I don’t think that heritage should be squandered away,” he said.
Gibson also cited traffic concerns, adding that the implications of the addition of another driveway at the Simcoe and Queen intersection should be considered.
Gracia Janes, of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Conservancy, said Hummel’s request would clear the way for the destruction of more heritage in NOTL.
“It is quite clear that the approval for this zoning request will make it easier for other development applications in an accelerating trend that will lead to a lot-by-lot destruction of heritage properties,” she said.
Coun. Wendy Cheropita said the rezoning proposal was much better than the original one brought to council in May.
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa agreed.
“There was a lot of work done to get our modified application,” he said.
Balasiuk felt positively about the plans but suggested looking into tools that can be used to maintain or retain properties as a whole.
That is to be included in the work plan.