New SAQ nears approval by council

Aylmer’s wine and spirits lovers are one step closer to a new boutique, with the Advisory Planning Committee (CCU) recommending city approval for the proposed SAQ building.

 

The project will see the construction of a bigger SAQ Selection store on Aylmer Road in the Galeries Aylmer parking lot, west of the mall’s entrance on the same road. Unlike the current outlet, the Selection banner offers a greater variety of products, including wines from the well-known Cellier space.

 

The new single-storey store of 530 square metres, with a contemporary look, will take up space currently occupied by parking spots. Unlike other buildings on Aylmer Road, the structure will be adjacent to the street. Most commercial buildings on Aylmer Road built in the 1970s have a big parking lot out front; this won’t be the case for the new SAQ.

 

The building will use several cladding materials. Although the by-law stipulates that only type-one material should be used, such as stone and brick, the CCU approved the use of other materials since they create the building’s desired look.

 

The CCU approved another minor variance, for trees. The by-law says six trees should be planted along the street. The builder reports that he’s unable to plant all trees required because of public land. A space in front of the construction will be landscaped and seven trees will be planted around the building and the parking lot. The delivery bay will be in the rear and rooftop equipment will be hidden.

 

The SAQ launched a call for tenders last spring because their lease at the Galeries Aylmer had ended. After examining the local market, the provincial crown corporation opted to open a larger outlet carrying additional products. After receiving six submissions, the SAQ accepted the Heafey Group’s proposal.

 

Despite an access to information request, the SAQ refused to provide details about the other submissions, claiming that scores and additional information are confidential.