Long-term growth plan proposed in Courtland

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

There will be several more harvests on a 45-hectare piece of farmland in Courtland, though at some point it could be the focal point of residential development in the community.

The owners of 256 Main Street are hoping councillors will approve an urban boundary expansion for the parcel, to pave the way for a long-term development vision. That development would coincide with nearby industrial land development, though consultants pointed out nothing is on the immediate horizon.

“This is not a development that’s going to happen overnight. This is a 10, 15,  20-year plan in the future but planning requires you to do that planning 10, 15, 20 years ahead of time,” said Stewart Findlater, a consultant speaking on behalf of property owners Mike and Sandy Kloepfer.

The land in question is located in the southwest corner of Courtland, south of the train tracks and east of Hwy 59.

Findlater said Norfolk council has already supported the expansion, though the Province deferred a decision and asked for more planning justification. The consultant said that added justification has now been provided and that the proposal has the least amount of impact on agricultural land while providing a place for Courtland to grow in the future.

“The proposed development directs growth to an established settlement area, restores the required residential land inventory and supports a complete community,” Findlater said.

“The proposal, combined with the already approved industrial lands is a long-term plan that will create jobs and bring growth to the county.”

While no decision was made at the public hearing committee meeting, such meetings are meant to introduce proposals and solicit council and the public’s feedback, councillors seemed receptive to the plan. Linda Vandendriessche suggested it might help get hydro infrastructure upgrades built for Courtland.

“Will this help stimulate something with Hydro One to be able to bring stronger hydro into the area?” she asked.

For the industrial and future residential lands to develop, Findlater said there will need to be such upgrades.

“And that certainly, I think, would benefit the rest of the area,” he said.

Life-long resident and business owner Brian Shepherd offered his support, saying the applicants are doing their due diligence and approaching things in the right way.

“As a lifetime resident, I’ve seen Courtland grow, and I think it’s got some room to grow some more,” he said.