Major development moves (somewhat) closer to reality

Roger Varley

Bridgebrook Corporation's proposal to build 588 homes on a 40-hectare swath of land running between Concession 6 and Centre Road, north of Quaker Village, has moved a step forward following a settlement reached between the developer, the township and the region. However, that next step might be a long time coming.

Bridgebrook made its original application in April 2021, seeking an amendment to the region’s Official Plan; the township’s Official Plan; the township’s Zoning By-law to change the designation from Future Residential to Residential; and approval of a draft plan of subdivision. Kyle Rainbow, Uxbridge's director of development services, said Bridgebrook appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) for approval in 2022, citing the region's "non-decision" on its original proposal.

Last month, the OLT ruled that all evidence in connection with the application was to be heard in a single settlement hearing.

A township report this week on the settlement said the Bridgebrook lands and other Phase 2 lands in the township are now referred to as "Evolving Neighbourhood Areas." The township, in consultation with the region, retains the right to determine when and if lands in the Evolving Neighbourhood Areas are to be allocated sanitary sewer and water servicing capacity for development. Until the conditions for servicing allocation are met, these lands cannot be developed.

From uxbridge.ca

Rainbow said he had "no idea" when such servicing might be available for the proposed development, noting there are other projects with claims on sewer and water capacity, such as the downtown revitalization project and the new hospital and long-term care facility.

The settlement also set forth conditions that must be upheld when development eventually occurs. They include the protection of environmental lands, the provision of 20 acres of green space and the minimizing of traffic impacts.

Rainbow said that, despite the report, "it's not official yet until the OLT gives its written report."

At the original application hearing in April 2021, Matthew Cory, planning consultant for Bridgebrook, said the proposal calls for the construction of 588 homes, ranging from townhouses to single detached homes to row housing. He said the site would preserve an area of natural heritage and would also contain a park. At the time, councillor Todd Snooks noted that Quaker Village sits on 80 hectares but only has approximately 340 homes. He pointed out that the proposed development would put more homes on land that is half the size.