Although the extension of Telfer Glen may seem a logical extension of the Morriston community, Puslinch councillors feel there are too many unanswered questions to offer support for the project.
Telfer Glen Developments Inc. (TGDI) is currently evaluating its options to develop a portion of its remaining Telfer Glen Estates lands, between the approved Highway 6 Realignment and Morriston.
On Jan. 22 land use planner Chris Tyrell, speaking on behalf of developer George Ochrym, explained proponents want to develop 9.7 hectares – of its 18-hectare parcel abutting the Telfer Glen Street and Settlers Court neighbourhood, to the east – for estate residential lots. They propose lot size (one acre) and pattern will be in keeping with the existing subdivision and an additional internal road is proposed to access Calfass Road.
The history of Telfer Glen Estates dates back to the draft plan of subdivision in 1986. At that time, the cul-de-sac terminus of Telfer Glen Street, and reserve part-lots were made in anticipation of future development. The realignment of Highway 6 was approved by the Ministry of Transportation in April 2010, bisecting the remaining TGDl lands.
Proponents had asked Wellington County to consider a site specific policy which recognized the owner’s intent to seek an adjustment to the provincial Greenbelt Plan. The review is anticipated in 2015. Developers argue this is a logical expansion of the Morriston urban centre.
Wellington County’s manager of policy planning Mark Paoli stated the county does not recommend addition of the requested special policy.
“This was based on our view that: it is not possible to expand urban centres on private services under current Greenbelt Plan policies; and, that this policy would prejudge the direction of growth without the benefit of a municipal comprehensive review, as required by Places to Grow and the County [Official Plan].”
Tyrell agreed that in the past there have been issues of illegal dumping on the site, but said the development would mitigate that concern.
Notwithstanding the lack of county support, proponents intend to meet with the province to gain some leeway in the Greenbelt Plan for this proposal. As such, Tyrell was looking for support from council to indicate the proposal has validity.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said if Puslinch does expand, he would like to see the growth centred on the existing hamlets, rather than fragmented development throughout the township. He had concerns with the review of the Greenbelt Plan and the time that may take.
Councillor Ken Roth was pleased to see an additional roadway entrance to the development but stressed there is still the Greenbelt Plan to contend with.
“Until that changes, there is not much we can do.”
Mayor Dennis Lever said it sounded as if council supported the project in principal.
“The problem is that it is a very complex situation. The Provincial Greenbelt is involved and Morriston is a hamlet without municipal services.”
He also noted the same time Places to Grow includes increased population targets for Puslinch. Lever encouraged the proponents to work with the county and those involved with the Greenbelt review.
