Council defers apartment decision due to water capacity

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg council deferred approval of a zoning change and recommendation for an official plan amendment for a planned apartment building due to concerns over available water capacity.

A 1.5-story 16-unit, stacked townhouse at 1 Walnut Drive and 1 and 3 Chestnut Drive, near Concession Street West, is planned by Sycamore Holdings Inc. Planner Amy Hartley recommended approval of the application, but noted it will use the remainder of Tillsonburg’s available water capacity. There were two letters of concern from adjacent residents regarding the removal of existing trees, garbage, and noise, but she said planning staff were working on a resolution.

Coun. Kelly Spencer, Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, and Mayor Deb Gilvesy all raised concerns about an ongoing study that will assess the town’s available water capacity. Hartley said the study should be completed later this month or early next month.

Coun. Bob Parsons asked for reassurance the neighbours’ concerns would be addressed, and received it.

Spencer, who was reading the motion, changed it to defer the application until the water capacity study is complete.

“I would like to defer until that report is provided to council and we have a more wholesome understanding of water capacity,” she said.

All of council supported the motion.