An active application for development in Southampton is now with the County of Bruce.
The applicant, SKG Holdings Inc., owns a 4.077-hectare property in Southampton, shown on Figure 1 (Appendix A) of the Planning Justification Report, and is proposing to develop the parcel into a subdivision to include:
- 33 detached dwelling lots (Lots 1 to 33);
- 18 townhouse dwelling lots (Lots 34 to 51);
- two walkways (Blocks 52 and 53);
- one commercial block (Block 54);
- five tree preservation areas (Blocks 55 to 59);
- two highway widening areas (Blocks 60 and 61); and,
- two 0.3-metre reserves (Blocks 62 and 63).
A series of new roads connecting to the existing Emerald Drive, Albert Street, and Island Drive are also planned to be constructed.
According to the application, the commercial building proposed for Block 54, will possibly have residential apartments on the second and third floors.
A residential development involving the subject property and adjacent lands was granted Draft Approval several years ago however, only a portion of that subdivision, known as the “Summerhill Park Subdivision”, was finalized and built out. The Draft Approval eventually lapsed on the undeveloped portion of that original subdivision proposa but now the developer is seeking Draft Approval once again for those remaining, undeveloped lands.
In the Planning Justification Report by consultant Ron Davidson, it states that “… the site comprises 4.07 hectares of land and is mostly forested”. Also, in the report however, it cites that the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) was contacted regarding ‘Significant Woodland’ determination for the subject land parcel, with the provided email comments dated September 22, 2020 from Brandi Walter, Environmental Planning Coordinator:
“Please be advised, I attended the above-noted property on August 27, 2020 as per your request to undertake a review of site conditions relating to natural heritage features…..Regarding woodlands, It is my opinion, the subject property does not feature significant woodlands as defined by Town of Saugeen Shores Official Plan (OP). The woodlot appears to be under 4 ha in size.”
“The EIS mapped vegetation community 2 being the only forested stand within the Study Land has been confirmed to be 3.27ha with an additional 0.43 ha off-site (existing other Lots) for 3.7 ha of total forest area. Thus, confirming that there is no Significant Woodland within the Study Land.”
Given that the Study Land has been documented to support breeding and rearing of Migratory Birds, the following mitigation measure for site development will be required to maintain compliance with the Federal Migratory Birds Act:
12.1 Any tree clearing activity for site development should not occur from April 1st to August 25th during the active nesting/rearing period for migratory birds without additional mitigative measures and reporting by qualified person(s) in accordance to the Federal Migratory Birds Act.
Although, according to the report “… a Tree Preservation Plan under the Town’s Official Plan is not required”.
“The Saugeen Rail Trail runs along the east side of the subject property, within the site’s boundaries, from the south end to approximately the midpoint of this parcel. At that point, the trail bends westward and continues through the property before reaching Emerald Drive. The developer proposes to re-locate the rail trail where it exists along the east side of the property such that it does not interfere with Lots 15 to 18, as shown on the Draft Plan. All lands within this development that are occupied by the trail will be conveyed to the Town, along with walkways and tree preservation blocks.”
“A 0.3-metre reserve will be established in two locations along Albert Street to ensure that vehicular access to the commercial block and one of the residential lots is not possible from Albert Street, in the interest of public safety.”
The Planning Justification Report also states that “…a public school for children enrolled in Grades K-8 is located within ‘walking distance’ of the subdivision …”, referring to G. C. Huston Public School in Southampton. According to the Bluewater School Board however, the school is already at capacity. “…Other students will likely be bussed to Port Elgin”.
“The Town’s recreational trail cuts through the subject property, and the beach is within walking distance. Some stores exist nearby, although most shopping would likely require a vehicle.”
The proposal requires a Draft Plan of Subdivision application; an application to amend the boundaries of the Residential, Highway Commercial, and Parks & Open Space designations in the Towns Official Plan; and, an application to amend the Towns Zoning By-law to rezone the lands from Residential First Density Holding (R1-h-5), Highway Commercial Holding (HC-h-5) and Open Space Holding (OS-h) to Residential First Density Special (R1-a), Residential Third Density Special (R3-b), Highway Commercial Special (HC-c) and Open Space (OS).
Although it appears that no further public consultation is being considered, the entire application can be read … CLICK HERE.
