By David Judd
A new parking lot in downtown Port Dover will be designed to help avoid annoying its neighbours.
County council expects to approve a land swap next Tuesday, trading its Clinton Street parking lot for a new lot that a developer will build at 25 Andrew St.
The developer—an Ontario numbered company that owns the former Norfolk Tavern property on Main Street—will pay all costs for the land swap and creating the St. Andrew Street lot.
It’s a good deal for Norfolk County. The municipality will get a brand new, larger parking lot at no cost to taxpayers.
But some neighbours have concerns about the new lot, Kevin Lichach told councillors last Tuesday.
Mr. Lichach, a retired general manager of Norfolk’s community services, spoke on behalf of Joan Misner, who lives at 24 St. Andrew St., directly across the street from the new parking lot.
Ms. Misner does not oppose developing the Norfolk Tavern site or the St. Andrew Street parking lot, Mr. Lichach said.
But she hopes Norfolk County will ensure annoyances are avoided through site plan control.
Headlights might shine on Ms. Misner’s front door, porch and windows, Mr. Lichach said.
She also has concerns about traffic congestion, noise and garbage.
Although the developer will build and pay for the new parking lot, the county must approve its site plan design.
Light must be contained on the parking lot property, said Brandon Sloan, general manager of community development.
Traffic will be reviewed.
The parking lot’s access points have not been studied, Mr. Sloan said.
Owners of the former Norfolk Tavern site have not revealed their plans to develop the Main Street property and the adjacent Clinton Street parking lot.
They have agreed to provide a pedestrian walkway to Main Street from the new St. Andrew Street lot.
The county will trade the .19-acre Clinton Street lot for the .25-acre St. Andrew Street lot.
Port Dover Coun. Adam Veri commented on Facebook last Wednesday:
“I understand that the changes to St. Andrew Street will take some getting used to. I expect there will be a lot of changes to that end of town over the next 10–15 years, and beyond.
“With the powers it currently has, council cannot stop development, as most decisions are governed by provincial laws and policies.
“What council can do is negotiate with developers to pick up considerations for residents along the way.
“The new parking lot is an example of this. Council and staff have negotiated an outcome here that will almost double the municipal parking available on that block.
“Not everyone will be happy with this outcome, or agree that it is a benefit. I understand that point of view.
“Overall, the decision will benefit the community and county as a whole.”
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Originally published February 19, 2025
