Lakewood condos moving ahead

More than 200 Wainfleet residents met Tuesday night to oppose Lakewood Beach condominium development.

The property fronts Lake Erie on Lakeshore Road, west of Belleview Beach Road.

Lee Bott said she and others are concerned about a number of issues, including population growth, services and noise. The development property is next to Bott’s property, so Bott said she is concerned construction will disrupt her home life. With construction comes a great deal of noise and traffic, which Bott said country people aren’t used to.

The resounding message during the meeting Tuesday night at Port Colborne Brethren in Christ Church was to “keep Wainfleet rural.”

Bott said she is supporting an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

Despite construction being put on hold until the site plan has been approved, a growing number of people are concerned. Bott said a Facebook page for people opposed to the development has about 700 members and continues to grow each day.

Citizens are concerned the condos will begin to urbanize Wainfleet. Bott said she’s concerned it will set a precedent for future subdivisions and condos.

For Bott and others, the appeal of Wainfleet is living a quiet country life. She is worried more housing development will boost population growth.

Mayor April Jeffs and township planner Sarah Ivins said the estimated growth of Wainfleet is 900 people by 2031.

“There was another number that was floating out there … but that was incorrect,” Ivins said during a phone interview Thursday.

Jeffs said the estimated growth of 900 people includes the estimated residents of the 41 condominium units.

Another major issue for Bott and others opposed to the development is water and wastewater management. It will have a communal system.

Jeffs said there was an environmental assessment done to determine it is acceptable.

Jeffs and Ivins said the condos will be provided with adequate services with regard to firefighting. Ivins said it is up to the developer to install accessible water in case of a fire, the cost of installation will be the developer’s as well.

Township communications specialist Lee Gudgeon said the development has gone through proper channels. He said council is working to ensure developers are following all applicable laws, both municipal and provincial. Council is also making sure all requirements put in place are being followed.