INTENSIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT LANDS WORTH A LOOK: FALLIS

An effort by a lone councillor to explore greater intensification of employment lands as a means to lessen the impact of a potential boundary expansion failed to muster support.

"I think if we don't look at something like this — look at all our options in terms of reducing our lands-need request — I think it does a disservice to future generations," Jay Fallis said at Orillia's council committee.

An assessment determined Orillia has insufficient land to accommodate population and employment forecasts for the next 30 years, and must look at neighbouring lands to expand its boundaries.

A process known as a technical land evaluation is underway to determine the most appropriate areas for potential expansion — triggering concerns among area residents opposed to urban sprawl.

It was in the face of those concerns that councillors recently agreed to have consultants study the implications of higher intensification and designated greenfield density targets for residential development, including impacts on the city's need for additional lands.

Fallis has since asked his colleagues to consider expanding the scope of the study to look at potentially increasing intensification of employment lands.

"There might be some upfront costs to do this, but I think in the long-term we save ourselves a lot, not just financially but environmentally as well, " he added.

Senior planner Jill Lewis warned that imposing minimum heights on buildings constructed on Orillia employment lands could drive away development and "result in more rural sprawl" if employers choose to build in neighbouring townships.

Coun. Ted Emond shared those concerns.

Potential employers consider the availability of a skilled workforce, serviced lands and cost of development when choosing locations, Emond said.

"We are not going to be able to force feed them into tall buildings," he said.

Council committee did not support Fallis' request, with Coun. Tim Lauer instead suggesting the issue of intensification as it relates to employment lands would be better addressed through an economic development strategy.

"I think the key is, how many people you are putting into a commercial/industrial spot, not the size of the building," Lauer added.