Norwich Twp. expected to grow by 6,600 over next 30 years

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

While the towns and cities will lead the way for Oxford County’s population growth in the next 30 years, among the county’s townships Norwich is expected to welcome in the most new residents.

Township councillors learned about the projections at the Oct. 14 Norwich council meeting, where Jamie Cook, a consultant for Watson and Associates Economists, presented the early findings of a growth analysis and land needs assessment being conducted by the county.

The projections have Norwich growing by 6,600 people over the next three decades, just outpacing Zorra township, which is expected to grow by 6,500 people. However, Woodstock and Tillsonburg, and to a lesser extent Ingersoll, will be taking on the bulk of new people moving to the area.

“We’re really focusing on looking at long term need for urban land across the county over a 20-30 year time horizon,” said Cook.

If the projections are right, Norwich’s population will hit 18,500 by 2061. All told, the county will be home to just under 224,000 people, with Woodstock having a population of just over 90,000.

Outward growth pressure from nearby areas like the Golden Horseshoe and the Waterloo region are driving expected population growth in Oxford, Cook said.

“It’s nice to see we are going to grow, but that creates some issues too,” said Coun. Lynne DePlancke, pointing to the expectations that Norwich’s growth will lead the way among Oxford’s smaller municipalities.

Those challenges include finding land and improving infrastructure.

“There are some infrastructure needs that are required from Oxford County to accommodate this growth,” said Coun. Adrian Couwenberg.

The forecast projects most of Norwich’s growth, 87 per cent or 56 units per year, occurring within the settlement area. Within that, most will take place in greenfield areas, while about 10 units per year will be required under what is described as intensification. Those could be infill developments and higher density builds, but they could also be things like accessory residential units.

“We are supportive of a broad range of housing options,” said Cook

“You’re still going to be looking at low density options as the primary form of housing within Norwich over the long term.”

The plan still needs to be approved by county council. Cook said that’s expected to happen later this year