Norfolk councillors are set to discuss the possibility of widening the urban boundary in Courtland for new housing developments.
Mike and Sandy Kloepfer have submitted a request for an official plan amendment that aims to add about 45 hectares of land to the urban area, with around 33 hectares designated for residential use.
During a public hearings committee meeting on Oct. 7, Stewart Findlater, representing the landowners, mentioned that Norfolk council had previously shown support for including these lands in Courtland’s urban boundary as part of its official plan in 2024; however, the province postponed approval until “more specific justification” could be provided.
“That’s what we’ve done as a result of this private amendment,” said Findlater.
Courtland is one of six urban areas within Norfolk County and sits along Highway 3 between Delhi and Tillsonburg.
Currently, approximately 69 hectares of industrial land in Courtland has already received approval for protection.
“The Courtland Urban Area stands out among Norfolk County’s six urban centers due to its strong ties to a significant and expanding industrial employment sector,” according to a report from G. Douglas Vallee Ltd., which supports the application. “The Norfolk Industrial Park and Titan Trailers Inc.’s manufacturing facility are located roughly 600 metres east of the proposed lands along Highway 3, making it one of the largest clusters of job-related lands in Norfolk County.”
“A community cannot function as a complete community if its employment base expands without a corresponding expansion of its residential land supply.”
The properties in question consist of parts from three locations: 256 Main St., owned by the Kloepfers; and 138 Talbot St., along with another part lot owned by a numbered Ontario company.
These lands are presently used for cash crop farming, with about 32 hectares actively cultivated. According to Findlater, this situation will likely continue for some time.
“This isn’t something that’s going to happen right away. This is more like a plan spanning over the next 10, 15, or even 20 years into the future. By designating these lands now, they’ll keep being farmed probably for many years until there’s real demand stemming from the development of nearby industrial areas. But it certainly sets direction for where growth will eventually occur.”
Findlater mentioned that more than 500 jobs could be created in this area over time and “those people need places to live.”
Brian Shepherd, who runs family-owned George Burnett Ltd., an excavating and trucking business on Main Street in Courtland, expressed his support during discussions with councillors regarding the application.
“As someone who has lived here my whole life, I’ve watched Courtland grow. I believe there’s still room for more development ahead.”
The committee took note of the application as information provided by staff members at county level will lead to further recommendations based on input gathered during public hearings at an upcoming council meeting.
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