Subdivision proposed in southeast Simcoe

Alan Duthie, Norfolk Ward 5 Councillor

Luke Edwards

Grant Haven Media

Another piece of the growth plan for Simcoe is starting to come into focus.

LIV Communities presented a plan for their parcel of land in the southeast corner of the town at the June 2 Norfolk County public hearings meeting. Their proposed subdivision would include somewhere between 268 and 509 residential units when finished, including a mix of single detached homes and street townhouse units.

The developers will require a zoning bylaw amendment to allow their proposal to move forward.

Robert McQuillan, a senior planner with the Biglieri Group, said the section of Simcoe is slated for future growth, and their proposal fits in with existing plans.

“We feel it creates a connected community here in Simcoe and we’re happy to bring it forward today,” he told councillors.

The Grand Erie District School Board has identified a potential need for an elementary school in the area, and McQuillan said they envision it being located in the central part of the property, next to planned parkland.

This property is one of three major developments planned for the area. Others include Woodway Trails and a development by Calibrex. At a meeting held earlier this spring, councillors heard of the challenges of a quad-party servicing agreement for a sanitary sewer outlet between the three developers and Norfolk County.

“Do you see the outlet for the sanitary sewer to our treatment plant, do you see that being resolved soon?” asked Coun. Doug Brunton.

“I think there are ways that it can be resolved but there are further discussions that need to take place between ourselves and the neighbours,” replied Ben Jones, director of land development at LIV Communities, adding the quad-party agreement isn’t the only option.

“We believe there’s a variety of servicing solutions that could be brought forward but the preferred solution is something that will need the consent of our neighbours,” he said.

There’s a lot to be done beforehand, but Jones said construction on the homes could begin as early as 2029, “if the stars align.”

With a potential school block, Coun. Alan Duthie said he wanted to ensure there was plenty of parking.

“If there is a school block that’s required, you’ll meet and hopefully exceed requirements there?” he said.

McQuillan told the councillors they’ll consider the comments as they do further planning for a potential school block.

Residents did raise some concerns at the hearing. One of their biggest was traffic and safety issues that already exist along Decou Road. They described a couple dangerous spots, including one near the trail crossing, where pedestrians and cyclists can often be found.

Others expressed concerns about water and wastewater effects from the development. McQuillan said the goal is not to affect neighbours.

“We’re creating a connected community for not just our future residents but the residents in the broader area as well,” he said.

No decisions were made at the meeting. Staff will now take into account the community comments and prepare a recommendation report.