A Public Meeting under the Planning Act was held at Mississippi Mills Council Tuesday (December 2nd).
Developer Novatech wants modifications to the Municipality’s Official Plan to expand the usage of the Pinehurst Manor property as a boutique hotel and spa.
The property is the former estate of the family who operated the Rosamond Woolen Mill out of what is now the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
The estate is located at 39 and 53 Carss Street, between the Mississippi River and the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail.
Consensus among the many members of the public who spoke to the plan was that the concept is an all-round bad idea.
A significant part of the forest cover would be cut to position up to 27 cabins on the land, the residential character would be sacrificed to a large commercial development, which would include additional hotel accommodations; the proposed creation of underground parking might jeopardize existing wells in the area, increased activity and hours of usage could disturb the neighbourhood’s peace and safety and the elevated terrain’s challenges would be compounded by the extra vehicular traffic in the wintertime.
On the other hand- when one can’t afford to replace a deteriorating slate roof, something has to be done.
Valuations of the Pinehurst Manor property begin around 2.5 million dollars, but would escalate substantially were it sold as a commercial hospitality property.
The proposal still requires an Official Plan Amendment, a Zoning By-law Amendment and further public input and staff reports before any decision is made.
By Rick Stow