BARRIE - It’ll take more than the luck of the Irish to reach an agreement necessary to forestall an upcoming Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing.
Scheduled for July 21, the OMB will determine the future of Down the Road Irish Pub and surrounding property at the corner of Hurst Drive and Big Bay Point Road in the south end.
After shooting down three proposed amendments, general committee denied developer Sierra Vista Holdings’ application Monday to rezone the 3.3-acre lot at 650 Big Bay Point Rd. to residential from commercial.
Councillors instead supported a staff recommendation to amend the official plan for a mixed-use development to include both medium-density residential units and 5,000 square feet of commercial usage.
“It’s going to suck to lose that pub,” said Coun. Alex Nuttall, sparking applause from dozens of spectators who followed the debate late into the evening and presented a lengthy petition urging the residential-only application be blocked. “If you’ve had the opportunity to visit this place (which he calls a community builder), I think you’ll agree they’re giving up a lot.
“Where else have we seen 1,400 signatures? It’s because the people care that much.”
The popular pub is the latest incarnation of restaurants operating for decades in the century building. Its lease was extended until October, said Nuttall.
Mayor Dave Aspden suggested putting off the vote for a week to seek a last-ditch effort to negotiate an agreeable solution with the property owner.
“I think the OMB is going to make a decision no one will like,” said Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard, who put the mayor’s idea into an amending motion. “If nothing is done, we can come back.”
Nuttall balked at the delay. After hosting three open houses with residents and the developer, attending five meetings with city staff, and taking hundreds of phone calls and e-mails, he is anxious for a decision.
The OMB appeal was launched on the grounds the municipality failed to make a decision in due time as stated in the planning act.
mlawson@simcoe.com