Developers pitch aviation centre at Collingwood Airport
Remo Niceforo says it is his intention to create a world-class commerce centre next to the Collingwood Regional Airport.
He and his partner Tony Bellissimo, of CACC Holdings, are the owners of about 300 acres of property adjacent to the airport. Developers are seeking an official plan amendment that will allow for the project to proceed.
The airport business park, in the very early stages of the planning process, was presented to the public during a Clearview Township council meeting Monday.
Developers are hoping the township will change the designation on four properties from agricultural to a special policy employment area serving the existing airport use.
The lands are within a special policy area designated for such a purpose. Even if the official plan amendment is approved, a rezoning would still be required.
Niceforo said if everything plays out as planned, the $80 million project would result in more than $1.2 million in tax revenue for Clearview and 400 jobs.
Planner Kris Menzies of MHBC Planning said the changes would permit airport related uses such as flight schools, aeronautical dry light manufacturing, research establishments, offices, temporary residential accommodation for airport related uses and ancillary and accessory uses.
Developers are planning to get water from the Collingwood-New Tecumseth pipeline and future phases would be serviced as the township sees fit.
Mike Hensel of Hensel Design group reported that a natural heritage study found no significant plant or animals in the wooded area or wetlands but the pasture lands provide habitat for Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark and the farm buildings provide habitat for Barn Swallow, all three are considered species at risk. Removal of the woodlot and wetland features will require habitat offsets on and offsite and a permit would be required from the MNR to remove the habitat.
Five people spoke at the public meeting.
Adjacent landowner Martina Shaw voiced concerns about resurfacing the area with pavement and how it might adversely affect her wells and the drainage at her two farms.
Another adjacent farm owner, Frank Aiello, said he would like more information about the project as to changes in noise, odour, dust and aesthetics.
“I realize this is just a re-designation but once it’s done, it’s done,” he said.
Menzies said most of the design details and uses would be addressed in the rezoning process.
Robert Curran said the natural heritage study should have addressed the presence of snowy owls and bald eagles sighted on the property.
“There’s too many ifs at this time,” said Curran, adding the development would likely have a negative affect on quality of life and property values.
Carrie Scothorne, another neighbour, expressed concerns about increased air traffic, saying her family enjoys the planes that come and go but if there was increased traffic it may become a nuisance.
Airport stakeholder Dave Hughes spoke in favour of the development, saying it fits within the vision for the airport’s development.
Project consultant Paul Bonwick said the proponents intend to continue to engage the public as the process goes ahead.
He said significant investment has been made already and the type of light industry jobs that will be created would be very positive for the area. He asked council to consider the development in a timely fashion as market opportunities are in place and the re-designation is necessary to begin the process of securing tenants.
