Ancaster's 'unique' community under attack

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Heritage character maintained for village core office expansion

Mike Pearson Jun 06, 2008 Ancaster News

A three-storey office expansion in the heart of Ancaster's village core will maintain a heritage theme, a planning consultant says.

Speaking on behalf of his client, Barry Brownlow, consultant James Webb announced a proposed expansion for the Brownlow Associates building at 259 Wilson St. E. at this week's Ancaster Community Committee meeting.

The accounting and bookkeeping business, a village core mainstay since 1980, will increase its floor area by 622 square metres. The project includes a two-storey office expansion and a third storey for underground parking.

Mr. Webb said the applicant hopes to expand his business while limiting the impact on the surrounding area.

"They need to grow. There's not a lot of space at that site," Mr. Webb told the advisory committee. "It's really important to them to do this right."

A land acquisition and parking agreement has been established with the neighbouring property, Ryerson United Church. A shared driveway will be maintained.

An agreement registered on title will give office staff and clients access to an estimated 28 spaces in the Ryerson parking lot, Monday to Friday. The spaces will remain available to the church congregation on weekends.

The applicant is proposing no changes to the front of the building, and a slight increase in height at the rear. The building's natural stone faÁade will be maintained and enhanced. The original office building was constructed in two stages during the 1950s.

The Ancaster Community Committee passed a motion to support the expansion at Monday's meeting.

Ancaster Councillor Lloyd Ferguson was pleased the applicant will maintain the building's physical appearance.

"We would just prefer natural stone above grade," he noted.

A zoning amendment will be required for a portion of the church property, changing it from institutional to village area. Property owners within 120 feet will be notified of a public meeting, which Mr. Webb expects sometime this fall.