The Blue Mountains council has received its first glimpse at a four-storey development that will be proposed for properties on Highway 26 just outside of downtown Thornbury.
Council at its regular meeting on June 6 received a delegation from planner Robert Russell, who was representing the owner of properties located at 125, 131 and 135 King Street East (Highway 26). Russell presented preliminary plans for a four-storey development that would include commercial uses on the ground floor, and 72 one- and two-bedroom units on floors two, three and four.
“We felt it best council got an introduction to it before they started hearing about it from the public,” said Russell. “This is a very friendly downtown type building.”
Currently, 125 and 131 King Street East are vacant lots and 135 King Street East contains a single detached dwelling.
“The principal of 2320777 Ontario Inc. also owns a medical imaging business and his large professional network includes several medical professionals who are interested in opening locations in Thornbury,” Russell said in his report to council. “The proposed development will provide commercial floor space suitable to medical professionals in close proximity to the existing Blue Mountains Community Health Centre at 78 King Street East. We are aware that there is a deficit of health care professionals in the community and the proposed development will provide much-needed healthcare options for the residents of the Town of The Blue Mountains.”
Russell said the owner is aware that the current town Official Plan prefers buildings be no more than three storeys. The residential units proposed would be one- and two-bedroom units and the initial plan for them to be a condominium arrangement.
Members of council were pleased to have the ability to provide feedback on the proposal this early in the process. Multiple members of council noted the need for attainable housing in the community and encouraged the developer to be attuned to that reality. Coun. Andrea Matrosovs said the developer has an opportunity to commit to dedicating 30 per cent of the units towards attainable housing and, in the process, help send a message.
“It’s an exciting standard you could help us bring to the community,” she said.
Coun. Paula Hope warned Russell that there is great concern in the community about new buildings exceeding the three-storey standard.
“The community is very divided. That is an area of great debate,” said Hope. “It’s quite a serious issue in the community and it’s one that can’t be taken lightly.”
Hope and Coun. Jim Uram said they would like to see the developer prepare a report that justifies the financial need for the fourth storey.
In the drawings presented to council, the proposed building would be constructed very close to the highway with an opening in the ground floor that would act as an entrance for vehicles to access parking at the rear of the structure. Uram raised visibility and traffic concerns about that aspect of the proposal and asked if the developer is open to changes.
Russell said the proposal is in the early stages of the process and adjustments would be made as the application works its way through the study process.
Council voted to receive the report as information.
