Luckett to develop winery operation, associated tourism uses on Grand Pre Road property

By Kirk Starratt

kstarratt@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

It won’t be a Frootique, but Pete Luckett has received initial consideration from Kings County council for a development agreement for his Grand Pre Road property in Wallbrook.

The county’s planning advisory committee considered an application for a development agreement from Pete Luckett of Luckett Farms Limited, also of Pete’s Frootique fame, January 26. The agreement would allow for a winery development, including a gift shop, full service restaurant and tourist lodging.

Following a presentation to council on the application from planner Leanne Chisholm, council voted to give the proposed agreement initial consideration.

Councillor Wayne Atwater had asked for an idea of the total cost of the proposed development. Luckett, in attendance, was permitted to speak. “I love listening to him talk,” Atwater said.

Luckett explained the actual winery would be established with the first harvest and crush of grapes this year, and the rest of the development would occur in phases. The second part, scheduled for 2011, would involve the retail tasting room and the provision of simple foods - but not the full service restaurant. This could still be “a couple years down the road.”

In response to Atwater’s question about the value of the development, Luckett wasn’t prepared to share a figure, and questioned whether or not that was public information. “I’m doing it myself,” Luckett said. “I didn’t realize it (the cost or value) was up for grabs.” “What I’m thinking about, Pete, actually, to get to the point, is, I’m thinking about the tax base,” Atwater responded. “It’s a great project, but I want the tax base.” “I’m sure you’ll get your share,” Luckett said in regard to taxes. “I think we’re going beyond where we should be going here now,” Warden Fred Whalen said.

The subject property is 87 acres, zoned Forestry (F1). The development agreement pertains to two parcels, one four acres and one 15 acres in size. Chisholm reported a winery would be allowed as-of-right in the Forestry zone, but the accessory uses would necessitate a development agreement. The tourist lodging, up to 12 units, would be in the larger lot to the rear.

Chisholm said neighbours have expressed concern over groundwater supply, so PAC requested an amendment to the draft development agreement to require a well impact study. The applicant had the study conducted. County staff deemed the study, which indicated the proposed development wouldn’t impact area wells, adequate. The Department of Transportation has no traffic concerns and has issued a permit for access.

Councillor Dick Killam said this is the type of development the county needs, and he would be supporting the application.

Whalen congratulated Luckett and said, perhaps next time they met, they would be tipping a glass of wine.