Big plans

Developer’s representatives unveil proposal for 50-room hotel, spa and winery in Hillier

About 40 residents gathered at Hillier Hall on Wednesday evening to learn details of a proposed 50-room hotel/ Nordic spa and winery proposed west of the hamlet. Redtail Vineyards is planning to develop a 53-hectare property on the Loyalist Parkway as the road turns northward, opposite North Beach and Partridge Hollow Roads.

“We believe this combination will serve as a destination for visitors,” said Treat Hull, representing the project developers.

The plan contemplates about 15 hectares of grapes to begin planting this year, a winery, hotel and spa. The purpose of the meeting on Wednesday was to share the general plan and timeline with neighbours and interested parties.

The developers were represented by Treat Hull regarding development details, Ruth Aulthouse with respect to planning matters and Charles Mitz and Tony Guerrera from Greer Galloway, an engineering consultancy to address issues of traffic, land use and water.

Water was top of mind for many of the folks assembled at Hillier Hall. Despite the abundance around the County, water is a tenuous resource— especially in Hillier. But the issue of water goes beyond whether there is enough for this business— the consulting hydrologist believes early indications suggest there is—to the carrying capacity of the property to produce the volume of potable water needed, to return it to the thin layer of soil without contaminating the supply of the project and nearby homes, and to the impact on wetland, effects of climate change and managing storm water.

Charles Mitz—the project’s consulting hydrologist— explained the multifaceted methods his team is using to assess the nature and capacity of the water resource on the property. He suggested that early assessment suggest the project—winery, spa and hotel—will tap about a quarter of the property’s water carrying capacity.

He explained that there is a sweet spot for water drilling in this area from about 50 feet below the surface to about 100 feet. Below that the water becomes too salty and mineralized, above that there is insufficient quantity. The engineering firm has drilled five monitoring wells on the property in addition to an existing well.

He noted that his findings were preliminary that there is more work that will be done to satisfy the owners, the planners and provincial authorities. He added that neighbours will be kept apprised of their findings.

Several questions arose over the potential impact of the quarry located just north of the property. How would blasting activities—which can be felt several kilometres away—affect the enjoyment of spa-goers and hotel and winery guests? And what impact might blasting have on water quality?

Mitz explained that the flow rate demonstrated by the test wells indicated little or no fracturing of the bedrock on the property due to blasting. He said that deep, long fracturing would produce much higher rates of water flow—providing more direct pathways for water to accumulate and flow.

Planning consultant Ruth Aulthouse explained that the hotel buildings and spa were located well away from the “zone of influence” of the quarry as prescribed by the province. Further, she noted, the buildings and quarry were separated by a mature woodlot that would serve to provide a buffer.

She said they would consider installing a seismometer to monitor the effect of blasting, in response to a question from the audience.

Aulthouse explained that the current plan is to locate the two-storey hotel on a ridge that runs north to south on the property—slightly east of the centre of the property. This means the project will likely be set well back from the highway and fit architecturally and aesthetically within the context of this rural community.

Parking will be distributed over two lots to minimize the impact on the property.

Tony Guerrera noted that traffic data, assembled to date, indicates little impact to flows on the Loyalist Parkway, though he imagines the developer will be required to construct a left-turning lane approaching the property from the north, and an exit ramp from the south. He noted, as his colleagues had done, that there is more study to be done.

Development of the hotel and spa will have several hurdles to overcome. They are currently working with the planning department to change the zoning from rural to estate winery. The project will then be subject to a comprehensive site plan approval process.

Developer spokesperson Treat Hull explained that the project would be realized in phases. Phase one will see the development of the vineyard and winery, with hotel and spa to follow.

Planting of about 15 hectares of grapes is scheduled to begin this year. He added that the team were currently looking for a partner to operate the hotel and spa.

In response to a question about housing for staff— and the impact on an already constricted market for affordable homes—Hull explained that while he and the developer are acutely aware of the housing challenges, that this property was ill-suited to address this need.