Town development staff met with several major landowners of property north of Hwy 7 on January 20 to explore potential opportunities tied to upcoming infrastructure and planning work. The goal was to bring key property owners together to start conversations about how development in the area could move forward in a coordinated way.
Town Planner Joanna Bowes indicated it was time to prepare.
The lands are expected to support a mix of residential and commercial development while also protecting nearby natural features, including Blueberry Creek and surrounding wetlands.
Bowes noted a particular challenge with developing the area in terms of storm-water management.
Low impact design, or LID may help alleviate storm-water management problems but Bowes noted no provincial or federal standards yet exist for LID, so it would be hard to dictate specifications to builders and to predict outcomes.
The discussions come as the town prepares several key planning updates, including a new Transportation Master Plan along with updates to its Official Plan and zoning bylaw, all expected by the end of 2026. Planned infrastructure work — including construction of a fifth cell at the town’s wastewater treatment facility — could also support growth in the area. Without expanding the town’s boundaries, this is the last area for potential growth.
While the meeting did not produce formal next steps, staff say further discussions with landowners are expected once additional planning information becomes available.
Story by Brian Turner