Queens sets public engagement sessions, online survey on downtown development

Eric and Dawn Fry are hoping to build 16 apartments in the old Stedmans building on Main Street in Liverpool. (Rick Conrad / File)

The Region of Queens announced its public engagement sessions this week for a possible change to the land use bylaw that could significantly alter the downtown landscape.

Developer Eric Fry wants to turn the former Stedmans building at 194 Main St. in Liverpool into 16 apartments. 

To do that, the region would have to amend its bylaw. In the downtown commercial district, residential units are permitted in buildings only if they have a primary commercial use.

Two sessions are planned for Queens Place Emera Centre on June 17 and June 19. Both are from 5 to 8 p.m. Both sessions are open to the public, though the first session is geared more toward business owners, while the second session is for everybody else.

Region staff and consultants UPLAND Planning will be there to answer questions.

The region has also launched an online survey to gather feedback. You can access that here: https://forms.gle/aTJ6SARs9eYSQrLX8

The consultants will prepare a report for council by the end of June. The region’s planning advisory committee will review the report. Council will then discuss any recommendations from the committee.

If there are proposed amendments to the land use bylaw, councillors would vote on those. If it passed first reading, then there would be a two-week notice period for a public hearing to be held before the final vote.

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com