Direction to Staff
Vice-chair S. Plante
Referencing the correspondence submitted related to this item, the need for a more comprehensive development solution for the site beyond the property line of the church, while allowing for an opportunity to look at an interesting concept that would create an “Eastern Gateway” into the ByWard Market, would attract a more viable market investment at this corner.
A collaborative process for 284 King Edward Avenue would:
- Encourage diverse developers by reducing upfront financial and procedural confusion.
- Facilitate community-driven redevelopment that integrates heritage considerations.
- Allow time to gauge market interest and refine concepts before formal commitments.
- Provide a realistic path for heritage preservation of this church.
Therefore, as a good practice, staff be directed to work with the property owner’s group to develop conservation guidance, in the form of conservation design guidelines, a heritage easement or other appropriate tool, for the future redevelopment of this site in recognition of its heritage value and its location on an important corridor, in the absence of formal applications under the Planning Act.