Plans for a new LCBO in west Orillia are now mired in confusion and doubt.
Despite clearly stated plans on the City of Orillia’s website, which OrilliaMatters reported on last week, the LCBO has said it does not plan to open a third location in the city.
In an email, the LCBO’s communications team said the company currently has “no plans to expand in Orillia.”
The planning documents on the city’s website lay out plans for a 6,400-square-foot retail space at 21 Diana Dr. for a proposed LCBO location adjacent to Costco.
When asked by OrilliaMatters about the plans, city staff deferred to Morgan Planning & Development, the planners representing property owners, Orillia Harvie Partnership.
“As the city can’t speak on behalf of the applicant regarding their proposal, any media inquiries should be sent to the applicant directly unless it’s specific to the planning process,” said Melissa Gowanlock, the city’s manager of communications.
When asked about the situation, Josh Morgan of Morgan Planning & Development refused to provide any clarity and said they would speak to the application at an upcoming public meeting.
The public meeting will be held at noon on Sept. 9 in the council chamber at Orillia City Centre, with the option to attend virtually, to consider the developer’s requests for zoning bylaw amendments on the property.
Residents who wish to attend virtually must reach out to council services at [email protected] or 705-325-1311 by noon on Friday, Sept. 6.
