A heritage permit application that would allow major expansions to a prominent downtown Wellington building has hit a snag, with the development being sent back to development services for possible revisions.
During Tuesday’s meeting, council examined the recommendation of the Built and Cultural Advisory Committee to defer a decision on the heritage permit for 20 and 24 Wharf Street in Wellington, the site of the Drake Devonshire Inn. The current proposal from the developers would see a new three-storey expansion added to the historic inn, which was originally built as a foundry in the late 1800s.
Previously, the Built and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee recommended deferring the decision, until the developer completes a heritage-impact assessment as required under the Heritage Act, and the municipality also gets a third-party consultant to prepare a separate study to ensure the new structure complies with the regulations of the Wellington Heritage Conservation District.
During council proceedings, council heard a deputation from a lawyer representing the developers, who threatened costly legal action if the permit was not issued, up to and including appealing up to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Council also heard from several local residents who live, work, or own businesses in the surrounding area, urging them to deny the permit. Their concerns include the development not fitting with the surrounding area, and disruptive construction impacting their homes and businesses.
The motion provoked vigorous debate in council chambers. During that process, Councillor Corey Englesdorfer proposed referring the matter back to development services, with instructions to staff to work with the developer towards a development that is better in line with the Heritage Conservation District it would be within. The motion also instructed municipal staff to bring forward a recommendation on the project to the August meeting of council.
Councillor Englesdorfer said that concerns that the project doesn’t meet the Heritage Conservation District’s requirements shouldn’t be simply set aside.
“For me, it’s not a choice between supporting The Drake or supporting heritage because I believe we can and we should do both of those things,” said Councillor Englesdorfer. “The Drake has made significant investment in Wellington, and it’s contributed to our local economy. At the same time, Wellington’s HCD exists for a reason. So whether we agree with it or not, it exists.”
Ultimately, council passed the proposed referral motion, and the project was sent back to development services.
