Council compromise paves the way for Nobleton LCBO

May 7, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Angela Gismondi

The LCBO is coming to Nobleton.
King council was faced with a tough decision at their meeting Monday but in the end they decided to compromise on a few aspects of design to get the LCBO to come to town.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini brought up the matter in the new business section of the meeting. He informed council that the LCBO had denied all the requests made at the last meeting. At the committee of the whole meeting April 22, councillors asked the LCBO to consider adding a cornice around the building, using gooseneck light to illuminate the LCBO sign rather than backlit signage, and to incorporate a door that reflects the character of the building on the loading dock, which is located at the front of the building. Although the LCBO refused to incorporate these aesthetic elements into the design of the building, they did agree to create a pedestrian walkway so people can easily access the plaza on foot. The docks will also now have to undergo loading dock repair since the installment of the walkway, however, the construction work necessary should be completed soon.
“The question becomes ‘how badly do we want the LCBO,'” said Pellegrini. “We tried to get them to work with us and with our design standards and they said ‘no, take it or leave it.'”
Councillor Linda Pabst looked at the issue from a different perspective.
“What if someone were to come to the Township and tell us to change all our signage and logos,” said Pabst. “It’s just food for thought. I know the guidelines are important to us but I also know there are quite a few people in town looking forward to it.”
While Councillor Cleve Mortelliti said he understands the importance of upholding the Township’s design and architectural guidelines, he didn’t think it was a good idea to turn away the LCBO.
“By saying ‘no’ to the LCBO I think we would hear a lot more complaints from our constituents,” said Mortelliti. “I am in support of having an LCBO even if it means backing down a little.”
Pabst pointed out that making allowances for the LCBO could open a can of worms.
“We have to be aware that if we back down on this one we should be prepared to back down on any others,” she said.
Local councilor Peter Grandilli said he has been wanting to see an LCBO in Nobleton for a long time. This is not the first time the issue has been brought up.
“We missed the boat before, let’s not miss it again,” said Grandilli.
Grandilli made a motion to reconsider the motion that was adopted at the council meeting on April 22. The motion included conditions relating to the cornice, lighting and the loading door. Those conditions were deleted and council adopted the staff recommendations for the development of the LCBO to move ahead.