Three-storey, mixed-use build proposed for Otterville

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

Despite some concerns about the wastewater system, Norwich council is allowing a proposed three-storey, mixed-use build in Otterville to move ahead.

Councillors at the Aug. 11 meeting supported two staff recommendations on the project, supporting an official plan amendment application and approving in principle accompanying zoning changes. A hydrogeological study and various reporting and maintenance requirements were enough to get three of five members of council to vote in support.

“As far as I can see they’ve jumped through the hoops and have done all the studies that are needed to be done,” said Coun. Lynne Deplancke.

“The way it’s going to look from the front of the road looks amazing to me.”

Developers are proposing a three-storey build with ground floor commercial space and six residential spaces above. To have the project move ahead they require various site-specific zoning provisions related to setbacks, lot frontage and depth, parking requirements for commercial and the maximum number of units allowed.

According to the staff report, the project would connect to municipal water services but contain a private septic system to handle wastewater. The proposed septic system did create some concern among town officials, but planner Amy Hartley said the hydrogeological study showed the system won’t have adverse impacts on the surrounding area’s water supply.

“The hydrogeological study…has shown the proposed system can accommodate higher density within the village designation,” she said.

Additionally, the system will be subject to monitoring and maintenance standards regulated by the province, said consultant Scott Puillandre, with G Douglas Vallee. Third parties, qualified through the province, will undertake monitoring and maintenance reviews.

“They are obviously legally obliged by provincial requirements to report back to, I believe, the MECP (Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks),” Puillandre said.

There were some other concerns about the height and setbacks, though Puillandre said there are buildings of similar height nearby and changing the setback rules will keep the building more in line with the neighbourhood.

“If we did meet the front yard setback the new building would be located behind the existing dwellings and looking directly into people’s backyards,” he said.

In a recorded vote, DePlancke, Mayor Jim Palmer, and Coun. Shawn Gear supported the staff recommendations. Councillors Karl Toews and Adrian Couwenberg were in opposition.