The wheels are in motion for a new a mixed-use development which would include commercial and residential buildings in Owen Sound’s east end.
City council reviewed a technical report and approved a recommendation at its meeting Monday night to direct staff to continue to process a Planning Act application for 2275 16th Street East — Telfer Creek Square.
The city has received a complete application for a zoning by-law amendment from Sydenham Square Inc. (Muzammil Dewan) through Ron Davidson Land Use planning for a mixed-used development on the property, which is located just east of Heritage Grove Shopping Centre.
The applicant is proposing a development that includes three multi-unit commercial buildings, two single-purpose commercial buildings and three, three-storey 40-unit condominiums (120 residential units in total).
Parking areas, an internal road system, landscaping and a stormwater management system would also be included in the development.
A report to council says it would be accessed via an extension of 22nd Avenue East, south of 16th Street East.
A public meeting for Telfer Creek Square was also held Monday evening.
The city received a letter from citizen Aly Boltman raising concerns that “families who move to Owen Sound will not be able to have their children accommodated at existing schools.”
The Bluewater District School Board did provide a comment to the city, saying it has no objection to the development. It also included a request to the city to include a clause in its site plan agreement advising prospective purchasers that accommodation within a public school may be in “temporary facilities” or “directing students to an alternative attendance boundary.”
Boltman’s letter says: “If the BWDSB expects our council to approve this type of a caveat and a sign-off from a current or prospective parent in order to buy a home in Owen Sound, city residents should expect swift problem-solving measures proposed publicly by the BWDSB to address overcrowding. Holding schools, mini-cities of portables or out of area schools are not reasonable options.”
Saugeen Ojibway Nation also sent a letter about the development saying it will “have an impact on SON’s rights, interests and its territory by reducing the extent of natural habitat available to many wildlife species, including species of cultural importance.”
“There needs to be a process in place between the county, municipalities, and SON to address cumulative impacts in SON territory at the earliest stages of planning,” the correspondence from the Environment Office of Saugeen Ojibway Nation says.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy declared a pecuniary interest and recused himself from Monday’s public meeting and technical report discussion for the proposed development.
A recommendation report will be brought before council at its Feb. 27 meeting.
