A new report prepared for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake shows that its residents favour uses that serve the community — and reject commercial ones — for the former hospital site at 176 Wellington St.
From July to November, the town heard from more than 800 people through an online survey, a workshop, community boards, a community walk, three public information sessions, a meeting with Royal Oak Community School and engagement with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River.
On Tuesday, council accepted a report presented by project lead Denise Horne of NPG Planning Solutions Inc. that pulls together those results. Staff plan to return in January with redevelopment options.
People most often supported housing for an aging population, medical services, educational uses, parking, parks and open space and community facilities, while retail and restaurants ranked lowest. The report says the site’s size could accommodate a mix of compatible uses.
But no matter what, anything built must fit the neighbourhood, respect the area’s historic character and not add to parking or traffic issues, residents say.
The report says the site is one of the town’s few large parcels of land in Old Town designated for open space and community facilities and zoned institutional, and should not be redesignated to residential until other community use options are explored.
When council accepted the report, it also endorsed consultants’ advice to keep that status in place while community uses are evaluated.
Four recommendations were given to the town: set a planning timeline, look at which uses are feasible, identify possible community partners and follow guiding principles to help council make decisions.
At the meeting, Coun. Wendy Cheropita said paying off the remaining debt on the property, finding a parking solution and protecting Royal Oak Community School should all be considered.
She also emphasized architectural compatibility and maintaining green space, saying any future plan “doesn’t have to be one thing” and could combine multiple ideas.
Coun. Maria Mavridis questioned how many Royal Oak students walk to school — details staff said it would bring back as part of the January options.
Wiens, meanwhile, pressed staff on whether it was prepared to bring redevelopment options forward next month — a timeline staff said it could meet.
The online survey showed the most support for seniors’ housing, although housing also drew significant opposition. Almost 80 per cent of the respondents were over 54 years old and most live in Old Town, with a majority saying new uses should primarily benefit permanent residents rather than tourists.
At a workshop, participants called the site a gateway and said new uses must fit the area and not worsen parking and a neighbourhood walk highlighted the importance of the streetscape, trees and open lawn areas.
At the public sessions, people noted the limited number of schools in town and showed little interest in private development, restaurants, community hubs, a library and commercial uses.
The report said Royal Oak Community School confirmed the site supports its needs and “provides a unique environment in which students can benefit from the many assets in Old Town.” Indigenous communities also asked to stay involved, especially around archeological matters.
