45-unit townhouse development in Arthur gets conditional sewage allocation

It may look like a slam dunk for a developer planning a 45-unit townhouse subdivision in Arthur – but some conditions still apply.

Bruce Donaldson, on behalf of a numbered company, re­cently requested a sewage allocation for a proposed residential condominium development for Part Park Lots 7 and 8, south of Smith Street in Arthur.

Donaldson’s understanding is that servicing issues have been addressed, and those plans were approved by the Grand River Conservation Authority.

“This being the case, our client wishes to proceed, as soon as possible, with the de­velopment of the site, which would include the installation of underground services,” Donaldson said.

Previously, Wellington North council passed a resolution supporting the allocation of 25 units of sewage capacity. The 45 units includes the 25 units previously allocated by council. Now the company wants all the units, as the most cost effective way to develop the site.

“With an allocation of sewage capacity for the full de­velopment of the site, our client will be able to maximize the use of the land,” he said.

Mayor Mike Broomhead explained to council this is an ongoing proposal for a development along Preston Street in the north end of Arthur, in what is currently an open field.

Broomhead said the good News is the site is approved by the GRCA.

Manager of Public Works Gary Williamson said the storm­water management for the proposal was approved. One issue was getting an easement for the storm water outlet across municipal lands, where the proposed new Arthur works yard is to be located.

Williamson said the easement has been worked out as to not interfere with the future development of the site.

“It’s all good … development in Arthur,” he said.

He said it seemed the developers are pushing to move ahead with it.

Broomhead added that these types of units fit right in with the provincial Places to Grow criteria and policies.

The motion passed by council was to allocate 45 sewage capacity units, for a period of six months. After that time, the allocation would be withdrawn unless a development agreement is signed.

Broomhead said the motion read as it did because of issues relating to Arthur’s sewage treatment plant – specifically the discharge period into the Conestogo River and the work required to expand the treatment lagoons in the community.

“We’re running very close on the number of available sewage allocation units in Arthur,” Broomhead said. “That is why there is a six-month limit – to assure the project is going to move ahead.”

Councillor Ross Chaulk asked, “So, do we have those units available?”

“Yes,” Broomhead said.

He said after six months, if the proponents need an extension, they can come to council.

“Otherwise it would be withdrawn.”

When asked for specifics on the number of remaining sewage allocation units, Broom­head said “It is a tricky question.”

There are still a number of units left, but they have been allocated for specific projects.

Despite the theoretical lack of leftover sewage allocation units, Williamson said the allocation numbers are based on three-year averages.

“They fluctuate because of the weather.”

He said there is a world of difference between one person wanting to build a house, and someone wanting to build 50.

Williamson said there is no issue with building a single home. He explained that there is still in excess of 100 units of capacity, and, “Although they are allocated, they’re not necessarily being used.”

He cited the allocation to Golden Valley for future ex­pansion – but at this point it is not something on the immediate horizon.

Another project is the former Arthur Public School, which, while discussions are still underway, “There’s not a whole lot going on with that.”

He cited the number of buildings that are actually constructed each year.

Williamson said that al­though 45 units may be allocated, maybe only 10 homes are built in that year.

“Overall, it should not have much of an impact.”

He said it did not mean a building freeze exists in town, because individual home construction would still be al­lowed. Only larger size developments would have to apply for sewage units. That would be a council decision.

Broomhead noted that in Mount Forest, when allocations were limited, council approached certain developers to determine their intent, and in some cases, ask for allocations back to allow other developments to proceed.

 

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