ELORA – The developers connected to two subdivisions under construction on South River Road in Elora, want to build enhanced parks and will do so at their own expense.
The developers are required to transfer land for a public park to the township and as the two developments are beside each other, Haylock Farm Ltd. and 123856 Ontario Ltd. (Youngblood) have been working in tandem on the parkland piece.
Centre Wellington council heard at its Jan. 31 meeting that the plan is for the parks to meet up with a trail that leads to the existing Trestle Bridge Trail.
“Harrison Park will be located in both subdivisions and the design includes a playground, natural outdoor winter skating rink, shade structure, drystone wall entry features, existing trees, new shade trees, planting beds, walkways, and passive seating,” reads the report by Pat Newson, managing director of community services.
“Haylock Park will be in the Haylock subdivision and the design includes an existing woodlot, new restoration planting, trails, an amphitheatre, drystone wall feature and passive seating area.”
The map shows the location of the proposed new parks in relation to the existing roads and trail system. (Jan. 31 Centre Wellington council agenda image)
The developers want to use rocks and wood from the trees they removed while clearing the area to build landscape features like shade structures and stone walls.
Total cost of the two parks is $856,000 which the developers will pay up front. This cost includes $146,000 in enhancements and $108,000 in basic services.
The township will reimburse the growth-related costs – approximately $604,383 – through development charge credits after the parks are built and inspected.
Construction is slated for this year or next and the plan will be shared on the township’s CW Connect platform.
“We’re very excited about being able to put these parks together. It will be phenomenal for the community,” said Jeremy Grant, who spoke on behalf of Haylock Farm.
“This is a special piece of property,” said Mayor Kelly Linton as council approved the agreement.
“The interconnectedness of the trails, the uses at the park – I’m excited what this will look like.”
