City going to OMB over Distillery ‘hotel’

Dennis Hanagan–

City planners say a hotel proposed for 60 Mill St. at Trinity in the Distillery District was never contemplated under the Gooderham & Worts Special Identity Area and are advising city council that the plan be opposed at the Ontario Municipal Board. The applicant has taken the application for official plan and zoning amendments to the board because the city failed to make a decision on it in the Planning Act’s prescribed timeframe. “The height, massing and density … are a significant departure from the existing planning framework for the area,” a planning report told TEYCC. The proposal wants to add 29-storeys for a hotel and residential uses atop the ‘Rack House D’ building. It would have 88 hotel suites, 246 dwelling units and in total be 34-storeys. It would also have restaurant space and 205 bicycle spots. Representing the Distillery District owners, Michael Stewart with Goodmans Municipal Law Group told community council discussions between the owners and city staff “have been very constructive and we hope they continue.” Planners want council’s okay to get whatever Section 37 community benefits they can from the owner if the OMB approves the plan.