New commercial development approved for McNeely Avenue in Carleton Place

A new commercial development is moving ahead in Carleton Place following approval from council’s committee of the whole for a proposed new pharmacy to be built at 455 McNeely Ave.

According to a release from town officials, the project will see the construction of a standalone commercial building measuring approximately 1,589 square metres in the southwest portion of the existing shopping plaza, which includes major retailers such as Your Independent Grocer and Canadian Tire.

According to town staff, the new building will be accessible through the site’s existing entrance off McNeely Avenue, with no need for additional road access. Officials also noted the plaza currently has an oversupply of parking, reiterating that the development can be accommodated without impacting parking availability.

The application reportedly required several adjustments to the town’s development standards, including a reduction in the number of required loading and bicycle parking spaces. Plans now include one commercial loading space instead of the two typically required and five bicycle parking spaces rather than the standard 21.

The most significant change approved by the committee allows for a pharmacy to operate on the site, a notable exception to the current zoning rules, which do not list pharmacies as a permitted use in the area’s Highway District designation.

Town officials concluded that permitting a pharmacy at the location would be “appropriate,” noting that they believe there to be “no adverse impacts anticipated by allowing a Pharmacy to operate on the subject lands.”

With the committee’s approval, staff have been directed to issue a development permit, clearing the way for the project to proceed.