The Woolverton proposal returned to the Planning & Development Committee on Wednesday night, May 6, 2026, after Council deferred the item for further clarification. The meeting focused on the various issues raised through the deferral motion, including the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s (NEC) position and parking, including “cash-in-lieu.”
There were a total of four in-person delegations and two written residents delegations for the meeting. First at the podium was the applicant’s planner, Allison Chewter of Bousfields. She stated that the current proposal is smaller than the version presented at the September 2025 public meeting and has an increased parking rate.
The two public delegations that followed highlighted important issues with the proposal.
Kevin Luttjehuizen, owner of Harmony Jewellers, argued that the Town is being asked to approve a project that relies on incomplete frameworks, including the parking strategy, no defined cash-in-lieu policy, and a lack of rules for development near the Escarpment. He highlighted the loss of the “Community Hub” in the proposal and also contrasted the development with the broader draft Official Plan. That draft is entertaining even higher building heights downtown, and Luttjehuizen warned this could set a precedent for the future of downtown.
Michelle Seaborn, Regional Councillor appearing in a personal capacity, also raised similar concerns around parking, saying that reduced on-site parking could shift pressure for spaces onto nearby streets, municipal lots, local businesses, and surrounding residents.
Lastly, Harley Valentine, a partner in the proposal, spoke in support of the development, emphasizing the general principles of the project, including purpose-built rental housing, 15 affordable units, downtown investment, and the need for Grimsby to prepare for growth.
The Town’s Director of Planning, Kirsten McCauley, presented the addendum memo prepared in response to Council’s deferral. She confirmed that the NEC had no further comments, that transportation impacts had been reviewed by the Town, Region, and a peer reviewer. It was further stated that the proposed cash-in-lieu contribution would be $25,000 per space for 20 spaces, totaling $500,000.
The Committee voted to receive the Staff memorandum and forward the draft Official Plan Amendment and draft Zoning By-law Amendment to Council for its consideration at its next meeting.
Given the high level of public interest in this proposal, it will likely be lifted from the P&D minutes for Council’s separate consideration.
The Council meeting will be on May 11 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall and is open to the public. The current agenda for that meeting can be viewed by clicking here.