Holmes blocks Maclaren’s patio plans

One Centretown bar owner’s plans to build a patio outside his bar have been deferred to at least November and could possibly be blocked by Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes.

Brian Karim, owner of Maclaren’s on the corner of Elgin and Maclaren streets, applied to the transportation committee for an encroachment permit to build a 42-seat patio on city-owned land outside his bar.

However, the city’s encroachment bylaw doesn’t permit patios on city land where there are residential units within 30 metres, of which there are 225 surrounding the planned patio site.

Holmes said in a pamphlet she distributed around the community that she was appalled by the way the motion came before the committee.

She had already rejected the initial encroachment application citing a lack of community support and concern over the noise that the patio could generate.

This time, committee chair River Ward Coun. Maria Mcrae pushed the motion before the committee, ignoring  the convention of letting councillors manage issues specific to their ward.

Holmes said she conducted a survey of residents in 2007 which revealed overwhelming opposition to the patio.

But Karim said in an interview that the opposition is exaggerated. He pointed to the fact that only one speaker appeared before the committee to speak against his proposal.

Karim also said that unlike Holmes’ survey the city’s communications with his neighbours revealed a more nuanced stance.

He said that the city only received 12 responses, eight of which were against the patio and four of which supported it.

In addition, he said that the Centretown Citizens Community Association gave his plans its stamp of approval years ago when he initially proposed the patio.

Now, the association says it didn’t endorse the plan, but simply didn’t oppose it.

Following the failed bid to pass a bylaw that would prohibit boisterous late-night revelling, supported by Holmes, it would seem she will continue fighting Karim’s patio plans if she is re-elected in October.

Karim said that until then he will continue working with residents, city staff and councillors to resolve the situation.