Zorra signs deal with developer for massive housing project

The space that launched a thousand homes: the lands in question for Kingwood Homes’ 1000-unit residential development. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with files from Connor Luczka

The housing landscape in Thamesford could soon look much different after an agreement between Zorra Township and a Burlington-based developer.

“Zorra Township Council approved in principle a development application that would see over 1,000 residential units developed on the former Maple Leaf Foods (MLF) lands in Thamesford. This will be the largest development in Zorra’s history and fulfill council’s vision for this brownfield project,” said a press release from the township.

Ward 2 Councillor Katie Grigg said the community needs to provide alternatives for first-time home buyers and those wishing to downsize but continue living in Thamesford.

“This development will meet the community’s needs for years to come. It is significant, not only in the population increase it will eventually reflect once built out, but also in the increased access to goods, services and amenities it will facilitate through the mixed-use zoning, as well as the viability for businesses to thrive.”

In terms of what commercial development may come along with the new homes, Grigg said there is one type of business everyone wants.

“I’ve heard there are efforts from the developer to get a grocery store in town, which is something I know we are all hoping for. I would love to see some sort of food sales, whether it be a grocery store or farmers market-style business.”

She added the additional population could present a viable business case for an investor.

“I would also love to see more services available, anything that supports the ability for seniors to remain in the community longer without the need to drive distances to access the help they need. I’d love more restaurant options, partially because food is tasty, and also because it provides more spaces for us to gather and celebrate and connect with our friends and neighbours.”

Kingwood Homes, a Burlington-based development company, has already constructed 115 street-fronting townhomes on Middleton Street, both two-story and bungalow styles, as the first phase of the project. As part of this second phase, they are proposing to construct 18 single-detached dwellings, 660 townhome units, and 372 low-rise apartment units in seven buildings.

There are over 50 conditions the developer must meet before the project goes ahead, but Lou Yordanou, president of Kingwood, said they can be addressed at the site plan approval stage. With the density proposed, he added the homes will be affordable.

“We think we can offer a price point that hasn’t been seen in Ontario for quite some time.”

On the company’s website, the bungalow townhomes presented as part of Riverside Village are being advertised in the $550,000 range for a two-bed, two-bath home around 1,500 square feet.

The province also announced the approval of an elementary school in Thamesford on Tuesday afternoon with a location to be selected at a later date.

“The Ontario government is investing $23.5 million for a new Thamesford Junior Kindergarten to grade four Elementary School,” said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman. “It’s a big investment in our future, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on families and students for years to come."

The school, with spaces for children aged kindergarten to grade four, will support the creation of 479 student spaces and 88 licensed child care spaces. The province did not say when it hopes to have the school opened.

Zorra Mayor Marcus Ryan said the announcement comes after a lot of work by a lot of people.

“It’s all coming together after, frankly, after six years of work by the township and about 12 years of work with the Thames Valley District School Board and Ministry of Education on my part to bring this together.”

He added the school is the final piece of the Thamesford puzzle going forward.

“It is going to serve not only the new development but also the existing community and surrounding area. It also has a recreation co-build component where the township is going to put in money for an exercise gym and soccer fields that will be available to the general community, not just the school.”

The township purchased the MLF property in 2019 and asked for development proposals to create a vibrant, mixed-use community that would benefit a diverse range of incomes, household configurations and lifestyles.

Ryan said the plan will eventually provide much-needed lodging options for the town. He added the unique neighbourhood will be walkable, pedestrian friendly and have easy access to the new commercial core as well as Thamesford’s existing downtown and existing recreation amenities and services.