Middle road

Council sends Drake Devonshire expansion plans back to staff

Council heard sharply divided opinions Tuesday before ultimately voting to send the Drake Devonshire’s heritage permit application back to staff for possible revisions rather than approving or denying the proposal.

The Built and Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee (Heritage Committee) was unable to determine whether the Drake Devonshire’s plans meet the intent of the Heritage Conservation District Plan (HCD Plan) for Wellington. It concluded instead to seek a third party to do what it was unable to do.

In this scenario, a third party would review the Drake Devonshire’s plans and determine whether they comply with the Heritage Conservation District Plan (HCD Plan) for the village of Wellington. The Drake Devonshire would fund the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA).

The Drake Devonshire wants an up-or-down vote. They have worked with the County for years through a multitude of issues. They argued that the process cannot be stalled indefinitely.

Opponents of the Drake’s plans argued that the HCD Plan review wasn’t yet complete and that no approval should be given until it is.

Council’s decision last week—a compromise of sorts—directed staff to work with the applicant to explore design modifications that might better conform with the intent and character of the Wellington HCD Plan.

A report is expected back at the August 25 council meeting.

It is the first test of the HCD Plan since it was adopted by Council in 2022. It survived an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal in 2024. That appeal argued that the HCD Plan was too broad, covered too many properties (240), and was too restrictive, limiting increased density and commercial opportunities in the village.

FOR THE PROPONENT
Speaking on behalf of the Drake, lawyer David Bronskill argued the proposed expansion is critical to the business and the local economy.

“Prince Edward County’s economy is largely driven by tourism and agriculture,” Bronskill said. “The Drake is a major employer within Wellington, a significant contributor to the tax base and has helped nurture the County’s booming hospitality sector. We’re here today seeking approval for this expansion.”

Bronskill also cautioned Council that the municipality faces a limited timeline under the Ontario Heritage Act.

“The Drake has been through an extensive planning process, including rezoning and site plan control, over the past eight years,” he said. “Under the Ontario Heritage Act, Council has 90 days to make a decision, and if it doesn’t, the permit is deemed approved. We’re asking Council to make that decision today.”

UPHEAVAL
One of the Drake Devonshire’s neighbours has a particularly practical concern, one borne of experience. How will changes to Wharf Street and increased traffic to the hotel impact the operation of her business?

Addie Pierson, owner of Pierson’s Foodland, said the store’s experience during the Drake’s original redevelopment was rough. She worries it is about to happen all over again.

“As a member of a family that owns four properties—three commercial—in the designated heritage district, this decision will set a precedent for years to come. I am not against development,” Pierson said. She asked Council to require a construction management plan before any building permit is issued.

“One business trying to expand cannot disable another business’s ability to operate,” she said. “We need a construction management plan that clearly outlines where materials will be offloaded, where workers will park, how access will be maintained and who will enforce those rules. We cannot have our loading bays blocked or our business interrupted again.”

Chief Administrative Officer Adam Goheen acknowledged concerns around construction impacts, including potential road blockages.

“It’s worthwhile to contemplate how they will ultimately construct it,” Goheen said. “We will take it away and make sure we are available if there are concerns.”

IMPACT
Other folks said the Drake Devonshire’s plans posed an existential test of the HCD Plans and review process: What is the value of built architectural rules if they can be rendered void because time has run out?

Neighbouring resident, Lourdes Da- Costa said her family supports the Drake’s success, but believes the project needs to be redesigned.

“They need to go back to the drawing board with the HCD plan in mind, not in spite of the plan,” she said. “They need to play by the rules like the rest of us.”

Liz Driver, president of the Prince Edward County Heritage Conservancy, argued that Council should not short-circuit the process laid out by the County’s Heritage Committee.

The Drake Devonshire had supporters of their plans speak to Council.

John Caliendo, speaking on behalf of the Wellington Community Association, said the organization’s steering committee voted to support the application after meeting with Drake representatives. He acknowledged that the proposal is not a perfect match with the HCD Plan, but is in the ballpark.

“Does this application perfectly subscribe to the guidelines in the current Wellington HCD plan? The answer is no,” Caliendo said. “Does it largely fit in and complement the intentions of this plan? Absolutely, in my opinion.”

THE DEBATE
It was then Council’s opportunity to weigh the competing issues.

Hillier Councillor Chris Braney said he understood both the importance of heritage protection and the concerns raised by neighbours, but questioned whether the process was effectively discouraging investment in the village core.

“This is the first file that has appeared under this model. Look at the difficulty we are having around the table with this,” Braney said. “How does this help us with another business that wants to come forward and invest their money in Prince Edward County if we can’t find some practicality with a file and find a way forward? I don’t want to deter people from investing.”

Mayor Steve Ferguson also expressed concern about creating barriers to development.

“If this file is associated with ERA, we should have some faith in that,” Mayor Ferguson said. The Drake Devonshire is being advised on heritage matters by ERA Architects, a firm with deep local ties.

“Standing in the way of progress in our communities does nothing to help the municipality.”

Wellington Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer tried to bridge the divide. The councillor introduced a motion directing staff to work collaboratively with the applicant to explore possible revisions to address the key objections.

“I want to say that this isn’t a choice between supporting the Drake or supporting heritage. I believe we can, and should, do both,” Engelsdorfer said.

“The Drake has made a significant investment in Wellington and has contributed to our local economy. At the same time, Wellington’s Heritage Conservation District Plan exists for a reason. It was created to guide change in a way that respects the character of our community.”

Engelsdorfer said the motion was not intended to delay the project, but rather to create a workable path forward.

Councillor Hirsch was unpersuaded. He insisted the Heritage Committee’s recommendation of an independent HIA must take priority. Until that happens, Council should remain on the sidelines.

“The [Heritage] committee has said it can’t decide, it needs more information and more work to be done,” said Hirsch.

He questioned the Development Services staff about how it intended to resolve the issue before the Heritage Committee had made its decision.

Development Services Director Cristal Laanstra said staff were working within the timelines established under the Ontario Heritage Act. She noted that advisory committees provide advice—that decisions can’t be put off indefinitely.

Council ultimately supported Engelsdorfer’s motion to send the application back for further work.