Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff admitted he was “disappointed” in the 11th hour decision in regards to development in the Picton downtown. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
A key issue concerning land for retail/commercial use in Prince Edward County was on the table at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
RFA Planning Consultant Inc. President Ruth Ferguson Aulthouse, along with Jamie Chisholm of New Urban Retail were on hand to make a presentation to council about rezoning land to build at least three new retail stores in Picton’s downtown. This includes a grocery store (i.e. Sobey’s), a drug store and a general merchandise store (i.e. dollar store). These will add to the current 57 businesses in Picton.
Ferguson Aulthouse proposed that the stores be located at the former Ontario Hydro Site, at 13300 Loyalist Parkway.
Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendments by Picton Properties Ltd. and the County itself were received by council.
The two bylaws were tabled, with a staff recommendation being turned down via a 9-7 vote and the Picton Properties amendment motion being carried by another 9-7 count. The stores will go in Lots 20 and 21, Concession 3 in Hallowell Ward.
Following the vote, Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff admitted he was “disappointed” in the 11th hour decision in regards to development in the Picton downtown. Quaiff says he is “pro-development” and wants to move the issue forward as quickly as possible while adding viability to the downtown.
Transfer Payment Agreement approved
An application for a watermain project was officially approved Tuesday night
The Transfer Payment Agreement in relation to the Clean Water and Wastewater fund was passed, with nine councillors in favour of the motion and seven opposed.
The application is worth around one million dollars.
Council will put that money towards the Picton Heights Watermain to Reservoir New Construction Project, and the installation of 1.2 kilometres of new watermain along Church Street in Picton.
This project includes engineering and design for the water line and all related road works.
Thanks to this funding, the project will be moved up to the 2017-18 fiscal year from 2018-19.
