Council approves Ashborough Village

City councillors approved plans for a new 707-home subdivision east of the Liftlock Golf Club on Monday night – even after 10 citizens and two ward councillors objected.

The approval isn’t final: it still needs to be ratified at the Sept. 10 council meeting.

Only Coun. Gary Baldwin and Coun. Keith Riel – whose wards include the area proposed for development – voted against the subdivision proposal, along with Coun. Diane Therrien .

Everyone else on council voted in favour of the subdivision, which will be called Ashborough Village.

“I certainly support this .... It’s a tremendous project,” said Coun. Dave Haacke. “I don’t think we should delay it.”

But Coun. Gary Baldwin said constituents in his ward have concerns about added traffic congestion with a new subdivision – and they don’t want 707 new homes built unless the city has a solution.

“What’s disappointing is that we are not again listening to the people in the city – particularly in Ashburnham Ward,” Baldwin said. “I’m listening to people I represent – they do not want this approved this evening.”

The public gallery was packed for the meeting and 10 people spoke in opposition to the subdivision; they cited concerns about flooding, traffic congestion and destruction of bird habitat.

But city staff recommended council approve the subdivision since it will provide much-needed lots for residential development in an area that was always slated for development.

Mayor Daryl Bennett told councillors that delays would likely mean a challenge before the new tribunal that has replaced the Ontario Municipal Board. He also said the new subdivision will mean people who live in areas such as Maniece

Ave. – which don’t have sewer and water services – will be able to hook to municipal servicing.