RESIDENTS CONCERNED WITH TRAFFIC, HABITAT WITH PROJECT

FARSIGHT DEVELOPMENTS HAS PLANS TO BUILD NEARLY 420 HOMES ACROSS FROM WASAGA STARS ARENA

Neighbours of a proposed development in the east end of Wasaga Beach raised concerns with how construction traffic would reach the project, and the project's potential impact on habitat.

Farsight Developments is asking for an official plan amendment to redesignate 46 hectares across from the Wasaga Stars Arena from tourism commercial to residential to accommodate nearly 420 homes, the majority of which would be single-detached dwellings.

There would also be a block, beside the new twin pad and library, set aside for commercial development.

More than 40 per cent of the property would be set aside as open space and for passive recreational uses, predominantly the northern portion of the property where there are low-lying wetlands and a provincially-significant wetland complex.

During a March 10 public meeting on Farsight's application, Annette MacDonald said her neighbour, an accomplished wildlife photographer, has spotted several endangered species on the property, including the eastern hognosed snake, the red-headed woodpecker, and the little brown bat, also known as the little brown myotis.

"I am a strong supporter of responsible development ... however, we (have) concerns on the negative impact of this proposed development in its current form," said MacDonald, who lives in the Lakes of Wasaga community north of the property. "This development represents a significant woodland loss, and loss of wildlife."

She also raised issues of flooding onto neighbouring properties.

Several residents expressed concerns about the potential increase of traffic on Wally Drive — particularly construction traffic.

"I'm not opposed to the town moving forward with developments like this ... the town must grow, given provincial mandates to do so," said Fred Garvan. However, he added, Wally Drive residents have already lived through noise and dust of construction traffic related to other developments, and that the road should not be considered as an access point for this project.

The proponent's planner, Andrew Pascuzzo, said a construction route had not been determined, but acknowledged that based on comments it would be preferable for construction vehicles to access the site off River Road West, and not Wally Drive.

He emphasized that homes would not be built adjacent to the existing neighbourhoods.

Pascuzzo said studies related to environmental issues are ongoing.

Farsight principle Bob Schickedanz said that depending on how the company's application proceeds through the approval process, infrastructure work could begin on the site in 2024.

He said the build-out would likely take five to seven years.

"We hear the concerns of the residents, we understand construction is disruptive," he said. "We have a long history of ... understanding and mitigating those concerns as much as possible."