August 8, 2012

Gananoque, Ontario seeks public feedback on mixed-use waterfront development proposals

The Town of Gananoque, Ontario is inviting public feedback on two proposals received to develop a 1.42-acre block of land near the St. Lawrence River waterfront, about 30 kilometres east of Kingston.

The proposals, by R.M.P. Construction and Development Ltd. and Earthdevelopment, will be on display in the board room of the Gananoque Chamber Building until September 21, and are also on the Town of Gananoque website.

A public meeting is scheduled September 11th at the Kinsmen Hall at 400 Stone Street, when proposals can be viewed at 6:00 in the evening with a presentation to follow at 7:00 p.m.

The RFP, issued earlier this year, was for developers and companies to purchase and develop a parcel of land at 175 St. Lawrence Street into a mixed-use commercial and/or residential project in the Lowertown area.

“The proposed design must integrate and link with the Lowertown area and features as well as future developments adjacent to the site,” according to the RFP. “The proposal should reflect the unique character of the community and have an emphasis on design and development standards for an attractive, creative and historic quality that promotes a strong sense of place.”

The site is located on an existing municipal parking lot, with a small building located on the northeast corner that is scheduled to be removed. The site is bounded by Water, Kate, St. Lawrence and Market Streets.

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R.M.P. Construction, based 70 kilometres northeast of Gananoque in Prescott, submitted a proposal to develop a four-storey building with 49 residential units, plus retail at ground level.

Toronto-based Earthdevelopment’s proposal calls for a seven-storey, 40-unit project with condominiums, with the potential for future grade-level retail.

“The building will be clad with stone and masonry materials to provide a high value heritage perspective,” the Earthdevelopment proposal states. “Extensive public landscaping, curbs, street lighting and street amenities consistent with those provided elsewhere by the Town of Gananoque will be provided.”

Earthdevelopment proposes a five-block plan, in which it would work with neighbouring property owners to create new blocks of land and a new street grid.

“Developing the First Block alone will not in our opinion materially improve Lowertown,” Earthdevelopment stated in its proposal. “We strongly believe it is critical that in the negotiations after award of this RFP, that other property owners and the Town of Gananoque work collaboratively to realize the development of these collective parcels, failing which we will not succeed in developing the 175 St. Lawrence Street property.”

DCN DIGITAL MEDIA

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