CARA is concerned about the proposed condo townhouse development at 7682 County Rd. 9, as presented to Clearview council and reported in The Creemore Echo on Friday, May 29. However, CARA welcomes the eight proposed single- family homes fronting County Road 9 and Collingwood Street which should reflect the existing residences along these streets.
Density: While CARA also recognizes the need to provide denser and affordable housing as per the provincial and county planning policy objectives, the density and design of the proposed condominium townhouses at the core of the development proposal are not compatible with the Creemore village character. The proponent is asking for approval of 116 townhouses, mostly three stories high, and a total of 249 parking spaces (including garages and visitor parking). Such a dense development might be appropriate for Mississauga or Brampton, but not for the rural village of Creemore with its prevalence of single-family housing. Good planning needs to respect and build on Creemore’s village character and recognize that new residents will be attracted by developments thatrecognize and reflect the rural character and identity of Creemore. The proposed development is much more appropriate for a heavily urbanized centre.
Traffic: A significant concern is the
large amount of increased traffic that will need to be accommodated. The plan contemplates hundreds of cars entering or exiting from Fairgrounds Road to the new development, creating an astounding carbon footprint. The proposed intersection of the development road with Fairgrounds Road seems far too close to the existing intersection with County Road 9. Yet, a new road further north could be too dangerous. Therefore, CARA suggests all the development access roads should intersect with County Road 9.
Storm Water Management: Local residents are well aware of the spring run-off from Ten Hill flooding the County Road 9 area, as occurred again earlier this year. While the development proposal plans subgrade storm water tank management, no detailed design has been done yet. These measures need to be addressed in greater detail and need to be carefully reviewed by Clearview staff and council.
Trees: The current Landscape Plan shows 14 boundary and two on-site
trees being removed, mostly along Collingwood Street and County Road 9. No replacements are currently planned in front of the proposed dwellings fronting Collingwood Street or the townhouses along County Road 9. Trees are an essential part of the fabric of Creemore. Township staff should require (1) replacements where those 14 trees are removed, (2) two trees on each of the single lots, one in front and one in back, and (3) one tree at each of the townhouse units.
Water and Sewage Services: Finally, the availability and cost of municipal water and sewage services to this proposed development site and other approved developments are unknown. Dan Perreault, Director of Public Works, Clearview Township, will be the guest speaker at the CARA AGM on June 28 and he can answer questions on these issues.
We look forward the development proposal evolving further recognizing greater compatibility with Creemore’s village character and better integration with the existing natural environment and community infrastructure. It needs to revisit its design assumptions and respect the comments and concerns of the community.
