It was a full house at Tuesday night’s Niverville Town Council meeting, as residents, business owners, and supporters filled the room to weigh in on eight public hearings, six of which focused on a new commercial development at 300 Drovers Run, on the west side of Niverville.
The excitement in the room was clear as every Conditional Use Permit was approved unanimously by Council. Loud cheers followed each approval, showing just how eager the community is for this new business hub to take shape.
The new strip mall, developed by Ray Dowse of Stonefield Developments Inc., will feature five units, each bringing something new to Niverville:
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Unit 1: A dental clinic owned by David Kindrat
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Unit 2: Prime Physiotherapy, owned by Justin Giesbrecht, with plans for up to four therapists, a massage therapist (LaShawn Giesbrecht), and support staff
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Unit 3: The Warehouse – Family Entertainment, owned by Trevor Rempel, will feature an arcade, axe throwing, a golf/multi-sport simulator, and shared access with the next unit, which will provide food and drink for their guests
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Unit 4: George’s Burgers and Subs, owned by Konstantinos Makrigiannis and Dimitri Ifandis, will be a fully licensed sit-down restaurant with a shared outdoor patio and interior access to The Warehouse
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Unit 5: Negash Coffee Ltd., owned by Mohamed Ali, is moving from its current location to offer a drive-thru, an expanded menu, and an outdoor patio space which will be shared with George's Burgers and Subs
Many in the crowd were thrilled by how these businesses are designed to work together. Unit 3 and Unit 4 will have a shared indoor opening, letting customers move freely between entertainment and dining. Units 4 and 5 will also share an outdoor patio.
“We’ve had the property for just over four years now,” said developer Ray Dowse after the meeting. “It’s been about customizing the space and making sure it fits the businesses and what they need, not just now, but long-term.”
Dowse says he sought out business owners who would work well together.
“You want businesses that can collaborate. You know, even after the hearing here tonight, everyone was talking and cheering and shaking hands, and they're all very excited.”
After the Public Hearings, Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck noted, “I just want to say a sincere thank you, on behalf of council. For your willingness to develop, to risk, and to want to come to the community and be part of ‘where you belong.’ We truly wish you all the best.”
The project is expected to break ground around July 1st, with construction taking about five months. After that, each business will begin their own interior build-out, with a projected opening towards the end of the year.
“This is going to be something special for Niverville,” said Dowse. “The businesses are ready. The community’s excited. Now we build.”
In the meantime, Council also approved a temporary permit for LaShawn Giesbrecht, who will run her massage therapy business out of an office space in Niverville's Business Park until Unit 2-300 Drovers Run is ready.
With no objections raised at any of the hearings, it’s clear that this new development is a welcome addition to the growing town of Niverville.