Planning and Development

Planning, growth and related issues

Recent Posts

Opponents get break on Cobourg stormwater fees, but others sectors make up for it

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Stormwater management flood

 

Cobourg council decided to proceed with changes to its stormwater management rates to satisfy residents’ concerns at its meeting on June 26. After nearly an hour of debate, councillors voted five to two to reduce some rates that apply to vacant landowners, cemeteries, and farmers. However, the lost revenues will now be placed on commercial and industrial landowners. Landowners charged under the previous system will also receive a rebate. A report looking at the implications of the new system is expected to come back in September. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, #Cobourg, Cobourg Council, Planning and Development, Politics

Alnwick-Haldimand Township council approves final tweaks on short-term rental bylaws

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AIRBNB

 

After over a year of tweaking, Alnwick-Haldimand Township council finalized its short-term rental bylaw at its June 25 meeting. In the spring of 2023, the controversial bylaw was opposed by residents and business owners. Residents were upset about the noise and other offences at some short-term rental properties, and business owners felt the original bylaw was too restrictive and unfair. It was sent back to staff, and an ad hoc committee was formed to review it. After several iterations, the bylaw returned and was approved by council in November 2023. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Planning and Development, Politics

Cramahe mayor discusses impact after closing of local grocery store on local economy, development

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Colborne Foodland

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The recent loss of the Foodland grocery store in Colborne was a blow to the community. The parent company, Sobey’s, sent a letter to the municipality telling them it was not interested in building a new store. A major fire destroyed the building last May. As expected, there was regret and disappointment at first. Then, the question became, what’s next? Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Colborne, Community, Cramahe Township, Economy, Planning and Development, Politics

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Brighton, Community, Planning and Development, Politics

Brighton residents express multiple concerns about a proposed development in Gosport

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Brighton, Community, Planning and Development, Politics

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Environment, Planning and Development, Politics

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Planning and Development, Politics

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Planning and Development

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Planning and Development, Politics

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

By: |
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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Housing, Planning and Development, Politics