Planning and Development

Planning, growth and related issues

Recent Posts

Proposed Gosport development impacted in part by new provincial planning rules, says mayor

The proposed development site from the air.

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

While Brighton council must address concerns raised by residents, it also faces new pressures from the Ontario government. New policies governing the planning process were implemented late last year. These include cutting development costs, streamlining approvals, and speeding up the building of affordable housing. Mayor Brian Ostrander will talk about his reaction to the residents and their presentation at a public meeting on January 16. He will also address the new rules imposed by the province around the approval process. Continue Reading →

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Brighton residents express multiple concerns about a proposed development in Gosport

Gosport flood

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A proposal to develop a 32-unit condominium in Gosport, which is part of Brighton, has many residents worried. It also has the mayor and councillors concerned. The location is next to a provincially protected wetland close to the shores of Lake Ontario. The developer, JRB Williams Enterprises, wants to build on lands next to it zoned for residential. Residents packed the community center at a public meeting on January 16 to make their concerns known. Continue Reading →

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Province’s proposal to build on Greenbelt not a great idea, says Naturally Northumberland host

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Recently, the Ontario government announced it wants to turn over portions of the Green Belt for housing development. The Greenbelt is about 7,000 sq. kilometres of protected land stretching from the Golden Horseshoe to the eastern edges of the Durham Region. For developers, it is welcomed the news as it opens opportunities for new housing along the northern edges of the GTA. For environmentalists and farmers, it is not so good. Continue Reading →

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Changes to legislation could end up impacting property taxes and your neighbourhood

Bulldozer

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Ontario government made a significant announcement saying it would make changes to speed up the building of affordable houses and rental units. Several sweeping changes are meant to speed up the process and make it cheaper to build units. On the surface, it sounds great. But when I talked to Cobourg planners at town hall, there was a different picture. The money developers could end up on your tax bill. Continue Reading →

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New legislation makes it easier for developers, but less local control, says planner

PLan of subdivision

The show:

The provincial government passed new legislation just before the end of April. It will make it easier for developers to get approvals for their plans. For some, it is reducing red tape. For others, it represents less local control. A mini-documentary featuring Anne Taylor Scott, the town planner for Cobourg, will explore how this will change where you live. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope mayor gives some details surrounding massive land deal to acquire Wesleyville

Wesleyville

The show/full interview:

On February 15, Port Hope council will debate one of the most significant land acquisitions in the recent history of Northumberland County. The town is looking to purchase more than 1,300 acres for around $20 million. About half the land is environmentally sensitive, while the remainder can be developed for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Ontario Power Generation currently owns the land in Wesleyville. Mayor Bob Sanderson and town staff have toiled away on the deal for the past two years. Continue Reading →

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Will Northumberland become the next Barrie? Planning for growth critical, says county official

Development Brighton

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A recent study commissioned by Northumberland County is projecting the population will grow to 122,000 by 2051. This is up from the current 90,000 people who live here now. Some say we may hit that number sooner. The picture-postcard that draws so many people to come and live in Northumberland could be facing expansive, rapid growth similar to places like Barrie, Peterborough, and Clarington. The question is: where will these people live? Continue Reading →

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County protects beautiful, natural landscapes in face population growth, says planner

Ths show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Take a drive anywhere in Northumberland County, and you are sure to come upon a beautiful landscape. We all know the rolling hills, beautiful forests, lakes, and streams.

Already the pressure is on. Within the next 30 years or sooner, Northumberland County could grow to 122,000 people. Right now, there are about 85,000. Those numbers could be surpassed much sooner as more people move to the area in record numbers. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg’s mayor explains council’s decision to approve a rehab centre at former Woodlawn Inn

Woodlawn Inn

The show:

As promised last week, when I interview Cobourg Mayor John Henderson recently about the future of the Brookside Youth Detention Centre, I also took the opportunity to talk to him about plans to convert the former Woodlawn Inn – a well-known boutique hotel and restaurant on Division Street – into a residential drug and alcohol treatment centre. The company behind the proposal is the Canadian Centre for Addictions. It runs a similar facility in Port Hope. As you would expect, neighbours and others expressed deep concerns about the location. Still, the council approved the plan. Continue Reading →

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Darling drops by for inaugural visit to Consider This Live

Cobourg councillor Brian Darling pays his first visit to Consider This Live, sharing his experiences over the past year and what is ahead for his role as co-ordinator of building and development on the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →

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