MINTO – A public meeting was held on April 2 for a draft plan of subdivision to complete the redevelopment of the former Harriston Senior Public School site.
Ten single-detached units are planned on the vacant lands, located at the west end of Lawrence Avenue. The property, owned by J & J Metzger Construction Ltd., is approximately 0.81 hectares (2.0 acres) in size.
“Essentially this is the last piece of the puzzle for this site,” said Wellington County manager of planning and environment Linda Redmond. “It’s an excellent use of this site.”
Redmond noted most of the issues related to developing the former school lands have been addressed during previous phases, though there are still a few technical servicing and grading issues “that have to be addressed.”
Redmond said concerns expressed by the Upper Grand District School Board about the location of a path to allow children to walk through the development to Minto Clifford Public School have been resolved.
Redmond noted the school board was concerned about the proximity of the path to a stormwater management pond on the property. However, she explained, the path location has been moved.
“It will now continue down through lot 5 and 6. There will be a block there now that the town will assume and the walkway will continue there.”
Councillor Judy Dirksen asked if there will be a safe place for students to walk during construction.
Chief building official Terry Kuipers said there will be times when children will have to use the sidewalk along the north side of Arthur Street to reach the school.
“[The school board is] okay if we shut that entrance (to the path) as needed during construction and the kids will have to go up Arthur street for the short term,” said Kuipers.
Deputy mayor David Turton asked developer Jeff Metzger if his company was planning to develop the property or if it would be sold to another developer for construction.
“If we can move forward we’re going to try and do it all. If not, there has been quite a bit of interest and we might just sell the parcel off,” said Metzger.
A report from senior planner Curtis Marshall notes the county is satisfied the proponent has addressed the applicable land use planning policies.
“The final report will request that the town provide the County of Wellington their position on the proposed plan of subdivision.”
