The intersection of 16th Street East and 20th Avenue East. (Matt Hermiz/Bayshore Broadcasting)
A new multi-unit commercial development is being proposed in Owen Sound’s east end.
City council reviewed a technical report at Monday’s meeting submitted by Thompson Centres Inc. for a commercial build at 1960 16th Street East, across the street from the plaza that houses several big box retailers including Walmart and Home Depot.
The 2.7-acre lot is located on the north side of 16th Street East, adjacent to where the future extension of 20th Avenue East is planned.
Owen Sound’s Director of Community Services Pam Coulter told councillors the city has received a complete application for the proposed development.
It would feature nearly 22,000 square feet of space in four buildings and include a mix of restaurants, retail and service units. Two of the buildings would have a drive-through service.
A McDonald’s appears to be one of the restaurants that would be located at the new plaza. The applicant, Thompson Centres, says on its website McDonald’s will open in the summer of 2022.
According to a city staff report, the property is currently designated as east city commercial in the city’s official plan and zoned M1 (general industrial).
The application seeks to amend it to C2 (retail commercial) and provide site specific zone regulations with regards to setbacks and other lot lines.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy calls the proposed development good news for the city.
“This is what we’ve been building the building blocks for is to attract developers and get them to invest in Owen Sound,” Boddy says. “This is another one that’s investing. And I’m pretty sure they’re wanting to go ahead fairly quickly.”
Thompson Centres indicates on its website that store openings at the commercial spaces would be available for 2022.
Council voted Monday to approve a staff recommendation to continue the zoning by-law amendment process. Next steps include a public meeting on March 29 and final recommendation report to council on April 19.