MOUNT FOREST ‒ Some Wellington North councillors were less than thrilled about an application to increase the density of a 28-unit stacked townhouse development proposed for 44 Wellington St. E in Mount Forest.
Currently occupied by a single detached dwelling and accessory structure on a 0.5-hectare lot, the applicant, 5053745 Ontario Inc. wants to increase density from 35 units/ha to 50 units/ha for the 1.5 storey development.
The design plans also include 44 parking spaces and a private amenity area for residents.
"The density in this area continues to increase dramatically," said Coun. Sherry Burke, during a public meeting Tuesday afternoon. "I'm wondering if there’s any consideration to reducing the lot density because it looks like we don’t have any policies for stacked town homes and we’re just piecemealing things together."
According to the report, Arthur and Mount Forest have intensification targets of 30 to 40 per cent between 2022 and 2041.
"Medium density development on full municipal services should not exceed 35 units per hectare for townhouses or row houses, and 75 units per hectare for apartments," said the report, citing the county official plan. "Although it may not always be possible to achieve these densities on smaller sites."
The developer would also reduce the minimum lot area from approximately 6.4 square metres to 5.6 square metres and the reduced minimum interior side yard setback for four-unit and 12-unit townhomes, from six metres to 2.49 metres and 4.5 metres respectively.
”Every unit is entitled to the space the zoning bylaw affords them,” said Coun. Penny. Renken. “I’m not very happy with putting as many units as possible in when we can lower that number and still adhere to the bylaw.”
In the report, Heather Imm, senior planner for Upper Grand District School Board, requested adequate sidewalks, lighting and snow removal (on sidewalks and walkways) be provided "to ensure children can walk safely to school or to a designated bus pickup point."
She also recommended erecting an advisory sign at the development site to inform prospective residents about schools like Wellington Heights Secondary School in the area.
The application will return to council at a future date.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
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