FERGUS – The Sorbara Group of Companies wants to build more homes in the Storybrook subdivision currently under development in Fergus, and on Aug. 30, Centre Wellington council agreed.
According to a report by managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon, the developer is seeking to add 166 more dwelling units – 84 single-detached and 82 semi-detached – to the section of the subdivision called 2A.
This is in addition to the 267 dwelling units already approved.
“The 2020 Township Development Charges Background Study anticipates approximately 166 single detached and semi-detached dwellings to be constructed in the Fergus urban centre annually,” states Salmon’s report.
“With this addition, Phase 2A will include 318 single and semi-detached units, which is an approximate two-year supply. Other than Storybrook, there are no other draft approved plans of subdivision in the Fergus urban centre.”
Councillor Ian MacRae wanted to know if the developer could switch the single-detached homes to semi-detached to help increase the supply of attainable housing.
“This subdivision has gone through LPAT and these units have already been marketed,” Salmon said.
“There is still significant demand for single-detached. We could (make the request) in the future at Phase 3.”
James Bujak, representing Sorbara at the meeting, noted the agreement with the township allows the company to respond to market conditions.
“We have semis now where single-detached were contemplated,” he said. “We will look at that in Phase 3.”
Inverhaugh Pasture Edge
Elora Ridge Developments Ltd. is seeking to build 40 single-detached estate lots in Inverhaugh. Company representatives spoke to council about the proposal on Aug. 30.
Each home will have its own well and septic system as well as a two-car garage and driveway parking that can accommodate at least two vehicles.
Because of the large lot sizes and the open green spaces in the plan, cash in-lieu is proposed instead of parkland.
The property was previously a gravel pit and currently is in agricultural use.
The property fronts onto Sideroad 4 and this is the only road access proposed, though a walkway and emergency access will connect with J.M. Quarrie Drive.
The turkey barns on the site will be demolished. Large swaths of land will be retained for stormwater management and could be used for passive recreation, the proponents say.
The original application to develop what’s being called the Pasture Edge subdivision was submitted in 2018 and there was a public meeting in July 2019.
The builder took that feedback, made some modifications, and resubmitted the application in June of last year.
Builder Steven Wright said he hopes to build energy-efficient net zero homes on the site.
Councillor Kirk McElwain said Sideroad 4 is too busy and unsafe for children to walk.
“Any thought to do something better?” he asked.
Managing director of infrastructure services Colin Baker said the sideroad was recently resurfaced, the shoulder widened, and white lines painted to delineate between the two.
“We also tested centre line bollards,” Baker said. “It seems a good location for them. We will bring a traffic calming policy to make it safer.”
In answer to concerns about the lack of a park, Astrid Clos, planning consultant for the developer, said there might be opportunity for skating on the storm water pond, and a gazebo, park bench and path on some of the passive open space.
“We are paying cash in-lieu. It could go to something,” she said.
Council approved the proposal, pending the provisions provided in the agreement being met. The application will now return to the County of Wellington for final approval.
