A proposed development for 104 three- and four-storey townhouses in Barrieโs growing southend isnโt getting rave reviews from neighbours. In fact, residents are urging city council to reject the plan and preserve the vacant greenspace.
A virtual public meeting was held Tuesday regarding Huronia Barrie Land Incโs plans to build on land at 521 Huronia Rd., south of Big Bay Point Road.
Some residents became emotional and choked up while they spoke.
The developer is asking for Official Plan and zoning-bylaw amendments to rezone a section of the 15-acre property from agricultural andย environmental protection (EP) to residential multiple second density with provisions to protectย theย environmentally sensitive land. Also, the Environmental Protection designation would remain for the Loverโs Creek wetland.
In his presentation at the public meeting, Eldon Theodore of MHBC Planning, said the project wouldย respect and maintain theย wetlands and woodlot by seeking to have the undeveloped land protected to the south.
The proposed projectย would haveย its mainย access offย Huronia Road, although Theodore said city staff have indicated the need for a connection to Loon Avenue to help withย traffic flow and services. Heย noted the developerย to the eastย mayย alsoย seekย access through the proposed development in the future.
The plan includes attached garages for the townhomes, 35 parking spots at ground level and 127 underground.
“I bought my house because it backs onto this gorgeousย forest,โ a resident remarked. โThis is a highlight of our city. My friends from Toronto comeย and they love Barrie now because they see how you can live in cottage country, but still be in the city.โ
Michelle Banfield, director of development services, updated the status of the proposal and highlighted concerns raised by residents including theย location of the access road to the development, preservation of the Loversโ Creek wetland and wildlife habitat, safety concern and a potential drop in property levels.
Resident Monica Sergeant called the area a marshland โ a very sensitive wetland.
โIf you, as proposed, feel that it will all be fine if you go in and dig it up and just pave it over โฆ where is that water going to go? These homes will have major flooding issues in their basements.
โWhy is it essential that this small plot of land needs to be rezoned from industrial โฆ If it was not good enough for industrial, why is it suitable for multiple dwellings? We should be preserving it instead of plowing everything over with pavement.โ
A staff report will be reviewed by council in early 2021.