Subdivision up for final approval

Final vote Monday on 707-home subdivision plan for the land east of Liftlock Golf Club

City council will vote a final time on Monday on whether to approve a new 707-home subdivision east of the Liftlock Golf Club.

At a meeting on Aug. 27, councillors gave preliminary approval to the developer to build the subdivision (to be called Ashborough Village).

On Monday the public can speak up before council on more time before council votes to ratify or defeat the plan.

On Aug. 27, 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 (of Town Ward).

Everyone else on council voted in favour of construction of Ashborough Village.

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.

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 into the municipal servicing, for example.

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.”