The Ontario Land Tribunal has approved a settlement agreement with a developer for a 141-unit residential subdivision featuring various types of housing on a “significant woodland” in Port Elgin.
This project, led by 15 Market Street Corp., will consist of 12 single detached homes and 129 apartments spread across three buildings. According to a town news release, 10 percent of the units must be affordable. Approximately half of the apartments are planned to be accessible.
The town, which previously rejected the proposal and was included in the OLT appeal alongside Bruce County, stated that the apartment buildings will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, comprising 90 condominiums and 39 rental apartments.
A release from Saugeen Shores highlighted its concerns regarding the project, including issues related to the watercourse on-site, stormwater management, tree protection, natural heritage preservation, connections between woodlands, affordable housing availability, and traffic effects on Geddes Street.
In her decision released on June 30, land tribunal adjudicator Jennifer Innis noted that while the settlement introduced policies addressing fish habitat and environmental protections related to significant woodlands and tree retention, it largely remained unchanged otherwise.
She mentioned that she took into account expert testimonies from two land-use planners, the planning justification report from the proponent, statements submitted by four citizens, as well as submissions from all parties involved along with minutes from a June 16 settlement meeting between 15 Market Street Corp., Saugeen Shores, and Bruce County.
Innis found that the revisions made addressed concerns raised by individuals or community groups primarily focusing on environmental impacts such as drainage issues, watercourse management, loss of green space, and neighborhood character.
“The tribunal is satisfied that these matters were considered through the planning review process and informed the revisions incorporated into the settlement. The evidence demonstrates that the environmental issues raised were examined through supporting technical studies and addressed through proposed official plan amendments as well as zoning bylaw amendments and conditions of draft approval.”
The decision states that this development “reflects principles of good land use planning.”
A portion of forested land will be transferred to the town to connect with Nodwell Park which will enhance existing trails while preserving much of current tree coverage,” according to a town statement. About 46 percent of trees in this 4.2-hectare area will be kept intact.
The OLT ruling indicates this block is “intended to retain most existing vegetation while preserving an established walking trail,” though minor adjustments may be made for accommodating new construction plans. No new municipal roads are set to be developed.
The zoning regulations and draft plan for subdivision require compliance from the developer with provincial laws as well as federal regulations along with conservation authority standards,” added town officials.
Attempts to contact both the developer and Bruce County went unanswered prior to publication online.
A public meeting about an earlier proposal from this same developer at this location back in 2022 faced pushback; at that time it included plans for 150 apartments within four buildings plus an additional twelve single-family homes along with allocated areas for stormwater management trails dedicated for conservation purposes toward town ownership,” reported a March 1st article in Shoreline Beacon.
This property lies just 100 meters away from Lake Huron’s beachfront area; it has been designated for residential development since approximately mid-1980s. Due its size classification makes it categorized under “significant” woodland where development is prohibited unless wildlife remains unaffected according claims outlined within another study suggesting retaining about thirty-three percent (33%) tree coverage-a proposition which had prompted some council members’ objections during discussions surrounding previous proposals presented thus far.
This latest suggestion marks version number three overall concerning developments here-being also first reaching public hearing stage following rejections given against exclusively developing single-family residences there , along push towards needing higher density configurations paired alongside provisioning large parcels belonging ultimately townsfolk interests held dear within community conversations witnessed over time together now.
As brought forth during prior sessions meant discussing anticipated outcomes pertaining directly linked improvements anticipated throughout entirety apartment offerings-the aim was focused mainly condominium classifications falling specifically within range deemed affordable accessible opportunities available; exampled were outlined via potential pricing structures noted including instances reflecting figures suggested around $295k pegged onto hypothetical seventy square foot one-bedroom layouts shared among interested parties present sharing visions forthcoming.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau once remarked urging developers alike include “some affordability here.” He emphasized need balancing out progressions underway concerning residential expansion plans ensuring significant woodlands remain preserved concurrently aligned alongside future sustainability goals achieved collectively among stakeholders involved altogether now working towards betterment benefiting everyone directly impacted communities residing closeby too equally invested interests shaped therein jointly collaboratively moving forward thereafter.
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