Planned Dartmouth hotel development could negatively impact Lake Banook: Business Commission

The executive director of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission doesn't believe a large hotel is needed near Lake Banook.

This comes as developers get set to build a 16 storey hotel in that area.

Council originally approved an eight storey development at the corner of Prince Albert Road and Glenwood Avenue, but the developers have now decided to build a 16 storey hotel on the site – which does not need council approval.

Tim Rissesco telling NEWS 95.7 that's not a proper spot for a building that tall.

“In part because it borders on an established neighbourhood of single family residences that doesn't have amenities like a sidewalk, and have some traffic concerns, some safety concerns about getting in and out of that neighbourhood,” says Rissesco.

He adds it would negatively impact one of Dartmouth's landmarks.

“The building is right, it would shadow almost Lake Banook and create a little bit of wind issues on the lake,” explains Rissesco. “And when you look at Lake Banook, it's one of the favourite places in Dartmouth, it's our internationally renowned race course, so we don't wanna mess around with that too, too much.”

Rissesco acknowledges Dartmouth does have a need for hotel rooms.

“Tourism is growing, so new hotel rooms, we have a number of hotels under construction out in Burnside and Dartmouth Crossing,” says Rissesco. “So, I think there's a need for more hotel rooms, whether that site is the right spot is up for debate, [but] I don't think you want a 16 storey building there.”

However, despite the apparent need, he says this development is going ahead over widespread objections from Dartmouth residents, as well as Dartmouth councillor Sam Austin.