Minor or major?

Drake Devonshire eyes expansions

The Drake Devonshire has big plans to expand its footprint and stature in Wellington. The lakeside hotel is seeking a minor variance from the municipality’s zoning rules to increase the maximum height requirement of the inn from the approved 12 metres to 16.9 metres. It is causing a stir among residents.

The proposed height is needed to accommodate an expansion to the inn as well as a rooftop deck and pool. The new plans consist of a three-storey building featuring a rooftop deck and pool, along with expanded kitchen facilities, 13 additional guest rooms, and an expanded multi-functional event pavilion.

The existing pavilion/covered deck will be removed and reconstructed to facilitate the construction of two floors of guest rooms above. The primary purpose of the ground floor space will be as a multi-functional event space featuring a lounge and bar area. Washrooms, office space, and corridors form part of the expansion.

Sixty-eight parking spaces will be required after the expansion of the inn. There are currently 18 parking spaces provided on-site. The additional 50 spaces will be provided off-site at the Drake Motor Inn property.

Richard Elliott’s property sits directly to the east of the proposed expansion. He has dealt with the growing pains of a busy business next door, but is drawing a line at the effect the plans will have on his home.

“I consider the Drake Devonshire’s revised expansion plans to be unprecedented in terms of height and impact. There would be a 55-foot wall next to our residence,” said Elliott.

Diane Riley says that such a major change in the inn’s plans and the scale of the expansion ought to have triggered a broader community consultation. Riley is co-chair of the Wellington Community Association, and says she has circulated the plans to its membership.

Although termed a minor variance, it is far from minor—it is entirely new plans, by new architects, from those approved last year,” said Riley. “The earlier plans were much lower in height and much more in accordance with the heritage appearance of the village.”

In the event the County approves Drake Devonshire’s minor variance application, the expansion project will then be subject to Site Plan Approval— a rigorous process that evaluates a wide variety of factors, including design and technical aspects of the project.

Drake Devonshire General Manager Scott Hart said since opening the Drake Devonshire Inn a decade ago, the team remains excited as ever to invest in the property and community. “The new building will replace the existing post and beam pavilion and staff offices with our first ever range of lakefront facing rooms, an expanded kitchen, new community inspired lobby and bar, new wedding venue and rooftop spa pool for our overnight guests. After much time invested in consultation and design, we hope to commence early-stage work as soon as possible with an eye to opening summer 2025,” he said.

All planning documents relating to this application are available on the County’s website (search active planning applications). The deadline for comments to County Planning is August 20.