Severance at 361 Queen St. creates parcel for proposed Smiths Falls long-term care home
SMITHS FALLS — A key piece of land at 361 Queen St. has cleared its first step for future development after the town’s planning advisory committee approved a severance application on March 12.
The application allows for the creation of a 2.02-hectare parcel at Rideau View Commons (formerly the Gallipeau Centre), separating it from the rest of the sprawling property. The retained lands exceed 145 hectares and include the balance of the former institutional complex.
“This application concerns only the creation of the lot,” said Planner Richard Grant during the public meeting, noting that any future development would require additional planning approvals.
While no development was formally approved at this stage, the severed parcel is intended to support a proposal by Omni, a long-term care facility builder in Ontario. There is a proposal for a four-storey, 256-bed facility to be built beside the Ontario Provincial Police Headquarters on Highway 43.
Those approvals include an official plan amendment and changes to the town’s development permit bylaw, as long-term care facilities are not currently permitted within the site’s Corridor Commercial designation.
The lands are governed by the town’s development permit system rather than a traditional zoning bylaw, allowing for a more streamlined approval process that combines zoning, minor variance and site plan control.
The proposed parcel fronts Queen Street and is currently vacant. Municipal water and wastewater services are available at the road, and no objections were raised by reviewing agencies, including the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Enbridge Gas and the town’s public works department.
Staff concluded the lot is suitable for development, citing its size, flat terrain and lack of environmental constraints. A preliminary tree assessment will be required before any site alteration or vegetation removal.
A representative for the applicant, Fotenn Planning and Design, told the committee the severance is an early step in a longer planning process.
“At this time, we’re just looking to create the parcel,” said associate planner Jacob Bolduc, who is acting on behalf of OMNI Quality Living, the intended operator of the long-term care home.
Bolduc said further studies and applications are expected to be submitted later this year. They have had preliminary discussions with the town on the future use of the property for a long-term care home, “but that would be subject to future development applications.”
Members of the public raised limited concerns during the meeting, focusing mainly on potential construction noise and site access. Those details have not yet been finalized and will be addressed through future applications.
Property owner Chris Saumure said preliminary site work suggests fewer construction challenges compared to the Broadview Nursing Home they built in Smiths Falls, including minimal need for rock blasting.
The planning advisory committee approved the severance subject to standard conditions, including the submission of a reference plan, payment of any outstanding taxes and compliance with tree protection requirements.
Coun. Jay Brennan, who sits on the planning advisory committee, said he supported the application. “This is exciting news,” he said. “I understand this is the first step of probably what is a longer process.”
Brennan asked how long before the project would start and how the town could help facilitate it.
“It’s still very early,” Bolduc said, but the sooner the better. “Step one is knowing the boundaries of the property,” and they can ensure their studies are specific to the boundaries. “But we are looking to submit an application this summer.”
Tara Crawford, director of construction and development with Omni, said they would be “looking forward to working with Smiths Falls and being part of the local community.”
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