Proposed Fenelon Falls subdivision has gone back to staff for review
A proposed Fenelon Falls housing development has been sent back to staff for further review.
Granted, a number of individuals who spoke during last Wednesday’s Kawartha Lakes planning committee meeting would prefer the project simply be sent away.
During his presentation to the committee, WSP Canada Inc. planning consultant Matt Alexander shared details on Fenelon Trails, a subdivision proposed by Digram Developments Inc., in respect to a zoning amendment request.
The company proposes to develop roughly 161 acres (65.13 hectares) of mainly agricultural land at 808 County Rd. 121, east of Fenelon Falls.
The subdivision features 894 residential units: 427 single detached, 242 street townhouse and three medium-density residential blocks. Space has also been identified for mixed use, including a gas station, convenience store and restaurant.
A park, open spaces, four stormwater management blocks and six future development blocks are also planned.
The project would be phased in over several years.
Ryan Windle, Digram vicepresident of land development, called the project a “win-winwin,” noting it not only supports the province’s 1.4 millionunit housing goal — Kawartha Lakes’ own target is 6,500 new residences by 2031 — but also has the potential to attract resources such as health-care services and generate tax revenue for the municipality to support local infrastructurefor future economic growth in the community,
“We are in the business of building communities, not just houses,” said Windle, citing future economic growth.
Fenelon Falls and District Chamber of Commerce president Shannon Roszell and manager Marylee Boston supported this by presenting results from a recent survey of members.
The women stated 76 per cent of respondents were in favour of the development — six per cent said they were not — and 88 per cent agreed it would have a positive impact on the community.
Comments from members included that growth and development will help promote and support much-needed infrastructure improvements, that “more people equals more business” and will boost community diversity, ideally bringing more young families.
Windle added responses to a number of required technical studies are still outstanding and will be addressed as they are received. He added the developers have also worked to respond to a number of public comments raised during a November public meeting.
Planning staff have received nine.
Concerns raised include increased traffic flows, tax increases to local residents, disruption to wildlife and the natural environment, increased disrepair to the existing road network and negative impacts during the construction phase.
Increased demands on schools and health care were also major worries, along with the insufficient infrastructure capacity needed to support any growth.
Opponents, like deputant Angel Godsoe, expressed serious concerns the development would negatively impact Sturgeon Lake.
She cited “gross negligence” and a “breach of public trust” should council allow the project to proceed.
The committee supported the staff recommendations that the application be referred back to staff until technical reviews have been completed and comments from the agencies and public have been addressed.