Ontario Construction News staff writer
“I think what we’re looking to have to do is that young people these days realize that there are 200 jobs today in the trade environment,” said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “These companies that are here compete internationally. It’s not your sweatshop environment anymore. And if we can offer a lifestyle that is conducive to what they’re hoping for, with cafes and restaurants, then they could be persuaded to stay.”
He was responding to a report from the town’s planning and building services department that says Midland’s population is older than the provincial average.
Town Planner Angela Zhao wrote the report that says the town has grown steadily over 15 years – from 12,000 in 2001 to 16,894 in 2016.
In 2016, Midland’s senior population represented 25 percent of the town, compared to seven percent 2001. Midland’s age median has grown from 41 years old to 50 during that time.
According to Zhao’s report Midland’s construction value was at $104.7 million last year, an increase of 75 percent from $26 million in 2018. Last year also saw the highest total construction value in the last 10 years.
A total of 67 percent of the building permits issued in 2019 were non-residential.
Councillors called the growth trends report one of the best reports they have seen because it is proof that Midland is growing and “development is coming together.”
The report listed major investments in 2019, including the Hanson subdivision, Bayport subdivision, and major commercial developments at 619 Prospect Blvd., Midland Honda at 947 Jones Rd., and the Hampton Inn at 877 King St.
Zhao characterized residential growth as “slow and steady”, with fluctuations in years when large-scale apartment buildings or subdivisions were constructed.
Last year, 104 new residential units were built – up from 73 in 2018 and several subdivisions are in planning approvals stages today.
Affordable housing was identified in the report as the area’s “core housing need.” It’s a struggle faced by municipalities across the province.
According to those surveyed in the 2016 census, 15 percent of Midland residents have unfulfilled core housing needs. Across Simcoe County, 83 percent of core housing needs were related to affordability, and 75% for the province.
The report also highlighted major residential building projects underway in the town, including Bayport Village Phase II, Midland Bay Estates, Mundy’s Harbour and The Season on Little Lake.
With about 20 construction projects currently underway, it is clear that Midland is a booming place.
One reason for the growth is the province’s declaration that Midland is one of six primary settlement areas in Simcoe County. While the town’s population only increased from 16,214 in 2001 to 16,864 in 2016, Ontario’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe projects the city will grow to 22,500 by 2031.
Further projections put the town’s population increasing by 4,380 to approximately 26,881 in 2041.
Nine major residential projects have recently been completed, are approved or currently under construction and nine non-residential developments are currently in the works, including a medical centre being built on Prospect Boulevard, a five-building commercial plaza on Balm Beach Road, and a Holiday Inn and Conference Centre off Highway 12.
Meanwhile, the town’s engineering department is ramping up for another busy construction season in 2020, with a variety of street reconstruction, resurfacing, and water main replacement projects on this year’s list.
Planned high-traffic improvements include a street reconstruction project on Eastman Avenue between West Wackerly Street and Joe Mann Boulevard, which will include the construction of a dedicated right turn lane on southbound Eastman at Airport Road and an additional southbound straight lane on the north side of Airport.
Additional streets seeing reconstruction projects include Cambridge Street, George Street, Dilloway Drive, Airfield Lane, Rockwell Drive and Brookfield Drive.
In addition, several new water infrastructure projects will take place this year on Soccer Drive, the Lyon/Patrick greenbelt area, and near the Tittabawassee River. These projects do not involve street work.