Proposed Colchester motel a step closer to approval

A proposed mixed-use development in Colchester would include eight motel units and 18 apartment units. (Source: Town of Essex.)

A proposed mixed-use building featuring a motel and apartment units in Colchester has taken another step forward, despite ongoing concerns about parking.

Essex Town Council gave first reading to a bylaw amendment needed for the development of an empty lot at 80 County Road 50.

It would create eight motel units and 18 apartment units.

However, it’s the 33 parking spaces and 10 bicycle parking spots that the council raised concerns over.

“With Colchester already having parking issues removing two parking spaces because we’re going to have bicycles. No one in Colchester is bicycling to work,” said Coun. Katie McGuire-Blais.

Zoning rules allow the number of required parking spaces to be reduced by one for every four bicycle spaces provided.

“You might have some people who want to rent bicycles while they’re visiting, but nobody’s using bicycles in December to get to and from work,” McGuire-Blais added.

Across the table, members of council voiced concerns about existing parking issues in Colchester, which could be exacerbated without a sufficient addition of spaces.

“So, we used up all of our possible real estate for parking, and we don’t have enough parking, and we won’t have the ability to add more parking if we need more parking in the future. That’s a big concern,” said Coun. Jason Matyi.

Ahead of the debate, council heard from Jana Manolakos, a Colchester resident, who previously lived in Vaughan.

While not opposed to motels and tourism, Manolakos said during her time in Vaughan, she saw the developments “erode” the character of the community.

“We simply today are asking council to create a clear, proactive framework so proposals are consistent, viable and aligned with Colchester’s character,” Manolakos said.

Rather than simply ruling on each development, Manolakos said other municipalities have guidelines specifically for hotel and motel builds.

As part of it, she suggested a minimum number of units, requirements for porches or balconies, and standards for design, among other things.

“An eight-unit motel presents real economic and operational risks. Industry benchmarks show that very small motels struggle with staffing, maintenance, and year-round occupancy,” she added.

If the motel isn’t successful, town staff noted the zoning could allow for traditional commercial use, such as a restaurant or retail store.

The property developer told council a motel is the “only alternative” because they’re unsure about the demand for commercial space.

In addition to a property management company, the space would also have an on-site “warden” to ensure people are adhering to the rules.

In terms of the motel’s viability, Coun. Joe Garon said that it will be up to the owners.

“I’m not going to say that it won’t support another motel usage in there, because I really don’t know if it will or not,” Garon stated.

“Hopefully the developer who spent millions of dollars has done the due diligence and done his homework and has that answer, only he will know, like, if that’s enough parking, if it’s going to work or not work.”

The decision does not clear the developer to get shovels in the ground. It will have to receive two further readings at future council meetings before it can move forward.