Ontario Land Tribunal approves Hummel's plans for 187 Queen Street

In September, town councillors chose to retain a mediator to intervene over an application for 187 Queen Street to sever the property into two parcels. 

The heritage property known as the Crysler-Burroughs house, is owned by local developer Rainer Hummel, who filed appeals with the land tribunal over the town’s recent choice not to allow him to move ahead with plans for a severance on the site located on the northeast corner of Queen and Simcoe streets.  

The town planning committee approved the project, but it was later turned down by council due to a tie 3-3 vote. 

It had also been previously defeated by the town’s committee of adjustment. 

In September, council voted to bring in a third party to facilitate both sides reaching an agreement, rather than a long and drawn out Ontario Land Tribunal hearing. 

And with some conditions, a settlement has determined Hummel’s plans can move ahead, allowing the creation of one new residential lot for a total of two residential lots. The new lot would accommodate a single-detached dwelling fronting Simcoe Street, and the retained lot would contain the existing heritage home. 

Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said he's satisfied with the settlement. That is mostly mirrors what staff has been recommending for the property is proof of the “quality work done by our professional planners," he added. 

Even though he and other members of council have been vocal in the past about staff recommendations not being followed and this resulting in OLT hearings, he said it’s “a part of the public process” and that he’s “very comfortable” with defending the town’s position when needed. 

Zalepa said what Hummel is now able to move ahead with is “somewhat modified,” as an initial application received by the town involved the creation of two additional lots at the site. 

Hummel told The Local he’s also satisfied with the outcome, but that his project going through the settlement process was not necessary. 

He said the outcome is “exactly what we originally applied for,” and that a decision being reached through a settlement was a “waste of several months and $25,000 of taxpayers’ money.” 

He also said it cost him $25,000 and that he feels the town needs to eliminate the municipal heritage committee, claiming that limitations caused through designations “hurts the value” of heritage properties. 

A park dedication fee, as well as work related to sewer and stormwater services, need to be completed at the property, conditions that are in the settlement, said Hummel. 

“It’s going to take about four or five months to get to that and meet all the conditions,” said Hummel. 

Both parties are scheduled to sit down on Tuesday to finalize the settlement with the OLT.