Local residents have raised concerns regarding a proposed condo development on Fernwood Drive in Simcoe, and these will be taken into account during the county’s zoning change decision.
Jun 05, 2026 • Last updated Jun 05, 2026 •
Governor Simcoe Square in downtown Simcoe is home to Norfolk County’s administration building. Reformer File Photo
Local residents have raised concerns regarding a proposed condo development on Fernwood Drive in Simcoe, and these will be taken into account during the county’s zoning change decision.
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The applicant, an Ontario numbered company, aims to construct a condo development featuring 14 semi-detached units and 54 group townhouse units at 16 Fernwood Dr.
A zoning change for this property, originally named Norfolk Meadows, was granted in 2020 by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, now known as the Ontario Land Tribunal.
However, Craig Rohe, representative for the new applicant, informed councillors at a public hearing committee meeting on Tuesday, June 2 that the original developer went bankrupt and his client took back ownership of the property.
Rohe mentioned that while there’s no change in property size – just over 1.7 hectares (4.25 acres) – there has been a shift in the design of the proposed units.
The vacant land designated for this development lies south of Thompson Road and west of Lee Avenue with its only access point on Fernwood Drive. The plan includes parking spaces for visitors along the street totaling up to 27. Each unit would have driveways allowing space for one vehicle plus an additional spot inside the garage.
Rohe stated that water services, sanitary systems, and stormwater management will be privately owned and looked after by the condo corporation.
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A report from the county’s planning staff indicated that a significant concern is having only one entry point – located on Fernwood – to access this development.
“There is a future extension possible for South Drive, which we’ve left an allowance for in the southeast corner of the site but that’s not planned at this stage,” said Rohe.
Councillor Alan Duthie emphasized that having another access point is “absolutely paramount.”
“It’s quite tricky getting over there right now and adding more homes makes it feel pretty cramped,” he added.
Councillor Doug Brunton expressed worries about how stormwater would be managed. Several local residents also voiced their concerns regarding how this new housing would affect water supply.
“We have virtually no water pressure now,” said Brian Binks, who resides on Thompson Road. “Where is the extra water pressure going to come from?”
Other issues mentioned by nearby residents included insufficient park space within the development area, increased traffic congestion, and loss of privacy due to two-story height buildings being close to their backyards.
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County staff will evaluate public feedback along with comments from various agencies before preparing a report for council consideration.
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