Coun. John McAleer listens to debate at the Oct. 14 Charlottetown council meeting. He and all nine councillors voted to allow a couples wellness retreat business that planning staff recommended be denied because it doesn’t fit into city bylaws. Photo by Logan MacLean /The GuardianArticle contentA new place for couples to rekindle old flames is coming to Charlottetown after a city council vote against the recommendation of planning staff.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentLovewelle, a couples retreat based in a building owned by Fresh Media, would be a new use for the downtown mixed-use neighbourhood zoning Fresh Media inhabits at 87 Pownal St.Article contentArticle contentThe application, though, doesn’t fit naturally into any of the zoning bylaw’s list of tourist accommodations, leading the planning staff to advise council to turn down the application.Article contentArticle contentBut all 10 members of council voted to allow the business at the Oct. 14 monthly meeting, after a reworking of the resolution to avoid a double negative. The actual application is for a major variance.Article contentLovewelleArticle contentThe applicant spoke at the Oct. 9 planning board meeting, clarifying what Lovewelle will be. She described the daily stresses couples face and offering a place to reconnect and get away from the noise of modern life.Article contentNone of this was included in the planning department’s report on the application, written by Sonia Kamal. It focused on the definitions of tourist accommodation and tourist homes.Article content“The proposed use of the office building does not conform to the definitions established for ‘tourist accommodation,’ including ‘heritage inn,’ ‘hostel’ or ‘tourist home,’ as outlined in the zoning and development bylaw. Furthermore, the proposed use does not constitute ‘dwelling units’ under the appendix A.”Article contentArticle contentAt the same time, the conclusion of the report notes the proposal would be expected to have minimal impact on surrounding land uses, and residential uses are allowed in the zone.Article contentArticle contentCouncil supportArticle contentAt the council meeting, councillors spoke about the opportunity to be forward thinking when bylaws don’t meet the moment.Article contentDeputy Mayor Alanna Jankov, who is also planning chair, said she understood the planning staff perspective and their role in interpreting bylaws. But the actual proposal appeared to be a good use of the land with no harm to the neighbourhood, and the applicant deserved a fair opportunity, she said.Article content“Sometimes, unique situations call for a bit of flexibility and common sense. So the proposed use makes sense in that context, even if the bylaw language hasn’t evolved to reflect it just yet.”Article contentCoun. John McAleer also spoke in favour, saying the applicant is an established business with a good track record in the city.
Charlottetown council approves downtown wellness retreat against staff recommendation
