South Drive access included in 68-unit approval

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Construction crews will be asked to use an access through South Drive that will later be turned into a public road as they build a 68-unit development in southwest Simcoe.

Councillors at the Oct. 14 meeting supported a staff recommendation to approve a zoning bylaw amendment for 16 Fernwood Drive that paves the way for 14 semi-detached units and 54 group townhouse units on the property.

Coun. Chris Van Paassen brought up concerns about wording in the report that seemed to suggest a South Drive access would remain as a possibility and not a sure thing.

“I don’t think that should be an option. There should just be one, a connection,” he said.

But Acting Director of Planning and Realty Services Alisha Cull said the plan is to require the access, both for the construction phase and as a road afterwards.

“It is included as a condition of condominium approval,” she said.

“There was a bit of a disagreement with the applicant but the County is of the opinion that the connection is required.”

That was one of the major concerns brought up during a public meeting on the application earlier this year. The report also outlined several conditions meant to address concerns over stormwater management for the development.

And with the County’s new waste management system in place, the condo could potentially be eligible for municipal collection, if the geometry meets technical guidelines that allow for manoeuvreability of the waste collection vehicles. General Manager of Public Works Andrew Grice said they don’t have those specifics yet.

 If they are not eligible, the condo will have to secure a private contract, and if they are eligible for municipal pickup they will have to apply.

“They do need to request it, fill out the form and be approved,” Grice said.