ELORA – Council approved a subdivision proposal on Nov. 14 that will see a total of 247 housing units constructed at 6542 and 6560 Gerrie Road in Elora.
The housing will be mixed, containing singles, townhomes and apartments on the 53-acre (21.5ha) property.
There is one house on one of the properties that’s proposed to come down, and the other property is currently vacant land and includes a wetland, woodland and agricultural cropland.
The developer, James Keating Construction, is seeking zoning amendments to allow the development.
Along with that is a township-initiated official plan amendment to the county’s 2010 urban boundary expansion. The township wants these lands included in an expanded urban boundary.
The property at 6550 Gerrie Road is a heritage home and is not part of the development, although it will be surrounded by it. This property will also be included in the expanded urban boundary if Wellington County approves that amendment.
“Since the county’s adoption of OPA 69, these lands have not had a land use designation in the township official plan,” states the report to council.
Manager of planning services Mariana Iglesias told council the application first came to the township in 2018 and has undergone some changes after a public meeting in 2021.
One third of the site now has natural heritage protection and a buffer of single-storey homes is planned to be built around the heritage home at 6550 Gerrie Rd. to add some privacy for the homeowners and allow a more gradual transition to high density housing.
Apartment buildings will be a maximum four storeys.
Walser Street will be extended all the way to Gerrie Road under this proposal and will be a major artery in the development.
Councillor Lisa MacDonald was concerned that Walser Street, already popular with speeders, appears to remain straight, without curves or bends to slow down drivers.
Managing director of infrastructure services Colin Baker said the township is looking to add curb bump-outs, which serve to narrow travel lanes and reduce speed as well as create safe places for pedestrians to cross the road.
Mayor Shawn Watters said he appreciates the variety of housing types in the subdivision and said the approach to the heritage home “is a good solution.
“I think you’ve done a good job balancing the needs of the site,” he said.
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton asked developer Tom Keating what sustainability measures will be taken through construction and the design of the homes.
Keating said they’re not that far along in the design process but will bear it in mind.
“The big thing will be the market,” he said. “That will determine what we can do.”
Council unanimously approved the development proposal.
