ERIN – Town residents recently voiced several grievances about a proposed subdivision near Hillsburgh.
The proposed subdivision will sit on approximately 35 acres of land along Wellington Road 22, between Wellington Road 24 and 6th Line.
It will include 142 single detached dwellings, two townhouse blocks (24 units) and a multiple-residential block consisting of 48 additional units.
“Obviously I am opposed to this development,” said Martin Rudd at the April 10 meeting.
Rudd, who said he lives next door and downhill to the proposed subdivision, voiced concerns that the development would negatively impact his property.
Rudd’s property features a wood lot, which is under a strict forest management plan. He also pointed out the delicacy of his land, including a well which he is concerned could become contaminated from running chemicals or building debris due to its elevation.
“Protect my woodlot, stop the project, reduce the environmental impact,” Rudd pleaded.
Erin resident Doug Ilton, who lives on nearby Roman Lake, also voiced concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed development.
“It’s a natural paradise down there [on Roman Lake]. We have wood ducks, swans, all kinds of species of endangered turtles, great horned owls,” said Ilton.
“I personally don’t want this … no one wants it, and I’d like to see the environmental assessments and I’d like to know who approved it.”
Hillsburgh resident Theresa Humphrey, joined by her two children, also expressed concerns regarding natural wildlife.
“I think that there is a real important question to be made beyond the impact of us humans living here,” said Humphrey.
“There are fields there full of milkweed, it’s part of the monarch’s migration, it’s part of what gives life to so many monarchs and many other types of migrating animals.”
Humphrey also had concerns about natural waterways.
“What happens when you tear up all the trees?” Humphrey asked. “What happens to the soil and the waterways?”
Resident David Blades, took a different approach, citing his top concern was traffic.
“We see it everyday; it is incredible what is happening along (Wellington Road) 22. This to me is a major concern,” said Blades.
He recalled an accident along Wellington Road 22 that claimed the life of a young man.
“A year and a half ago a young man was killed just west of the proposed sub division … and it was horrific,” said Blades.
He added he is also worried about the entrance to the proposed subdivision, as it would be positioned on a downhill slope, which he considers dangerous.
Both Blades and Rudd touched on the issue of winter construction. Rudd voiced concerns about the environmental impact of winter construction and Blades said he is worried about large vehicles coming and going in the winter.
Mary Kay Amos, who lives on 4th Line, also expressed concerns.
“I’m concerned, not just about this development but all of it,” said Amos.
“There is nothing we can do to stop … the ball if furiously rolling down the hill, but can you do it better?”
“Can we do it better, for god sake? We are such a beautiful town and I hate that anyone who has gotten up to speed feels like this is already a done deal and there’s nothing we have to say about it … Why doesn’t our opinion matter? Can it matter? Can it matter in a meaningful way?”
Amos told the room that when she wanted to start a summer camp for children to learn about the outdoors, the process was “rigorous and expensive.”
She said she is worried the development company was not being held to the same standards as the “small fries” when it comes to development.
Resident Kevin Murphy voiced concerns over the use of farmland for residential development.
“Originally when I saw the signs, I looked at a big farmer’s field and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Why aren’t we filling in more in-fill, more property that isn’t good for farming, and the way the world’s going with the lack of farming land, that’s why [him and his wife] were disappointed in that,” said Murphy.
He also touched on speed changes and other traffic measures.
“I haven’t heard any talk of speed changes on the road or any talk about stop lights at the entrance,” he said.
“I haven’t heard anything about the builders, that there will be flag people there to take care of heavy equipment coming in and out,” said Murphy.
After the public was given the chance to speak, councillors chimed in with comments and questions.
“I would just add for members of the public, you’ve presented, but if you give us something in writing it makes sure that the message you want to get through gets through rather than people interpreting what you said, so take the time to send something in,” said councillor John Brennan.
“Thank you everyone for your comments; your passion came through very well,” added councillor Jamie Cheyne.
He also made comments regarding the proposed subdivision’s entrance.
“The entryway onto 22 … is a nasty entry,” said Cheyne. “Even just for day-to-day traffic is one thing, but construction traffic is going to be horrible; cement trucks don’t pull out very fast. but the guys coming up the hill do.”
Cheyne also touched on issues such as drainage of a water retention pond and the issue of flooding for neighbouring properties.
Representatives from Thomas Homes Ltd. assured Cheyne they would work closely with town staff to ensure the pond will drain in the appropriate areas.
“Thank you to all of the members of the community that have come out and passionately expressed how it will effect them,” said councillor Cathy Aylard.
“I truly believe we can do better. That’s why sat at this table, is the belief that our architectural design guidelines can be implemented and we can have a community that respects our environment.”
Aylard touched on the need to embrace the natural beauty of the area in which the subdivision is being built.
She also spoke to the fact that “it’s a community, kind of in the middle of nowhere” and that many will need to travel by car. However for those not able to travel by car, Aylard pointed out sidewalks in the subdivision are not attached to the main road.
Councillor Bridget Ryan reiterated the issue of wildlife preservation.
“Our wildlife really is important. I was wondering if we could have more information about the environmental assessment and could we also look at reconfiguring this?” Ryan asked.
“Could we look at this as being a model for the future, where it could take in our natural heritage assets and really view them as valuable; showcase those because I think that will draw the type of people that we want to be here raising their families, working here in our community.”
All comments/questions from council and the public will be taken into consideration and presented at a future meeting.
