Puslinch contemplates 18-unit development in Morriston

PUSLINCH – The township has received an application to build 18 residential lots on Main Street in Morriston.

The subject lands are at 11 Main Street and the lots will range in size from .14 to .33 hectares (.35 to .82 acres). 

The total size of the property, which is largely undeveloped, is 22.8 hectares (56.3 acres).

One lot fronts onto Highway 6 and the other 17 front on a new right of way connected to extensions of Main Street and Ochs Street, according to a report by township solicitor Lynne Banks.

The land is south of Badenoch Street and east of Highway 6 near the Old Morriston Ball Diamond.

The property contains woodlands, core greenlands and two unevaluated wetlands.

The proponent, WDD Main Street Inc., has been working with the township to ensure all the reports and studies are included in the application, along with consultation from outside agencies including Conservation Halton.

A zoning bylaw amendment by Puslinch and an official plan amendment by Wellington County are required to advance the plan. 

Concerns about water quality and quantity were raised by the township’s engineer and hydrogeologist, as well as Conservation Halton.

These matters will be addressed once the project progresses to the site plan stage.

The water studies also touch on some remediation that will be required to ensure each dwelling has its own well. A stormwater management plan is also included in the documents.

Staff were seeking a motion from council declaring the application complete. That doesn’t mean the proposal has been approved. 

Jesse Auspitz, a planner with township consultant NPG Planning Solutions, reminded councillors that deeming the application complete has nothing to do with the merits of the application.

It merely means all the necessary reports have been gathered and the process can proceed.

Council wanted more clarity on the water questions, and elevation drawings of the proposal when it next appears before council.

They also decided there should be two public meetings on the application and then they deemed the application complete.

Mayor James Seeley declared a conflict of interest as his home is in Morriston and its value could be impacted by the application.