Mayor Charbonneau declared the public meeting open and indicated the purpose of the public meeting.
Mayor Charbonneau asked if any members of the public would like to address Council on this matter.
Dave Aston, Agent for the Applicant provided an overview of the proposed major revision to the draft plan of subdivision. It has been confirmed that the Bluewater District School Board has an agreement of purchase and sale. The modifications are to provide for more mixed density and variety of housing.
Anne Howatt, a member of the public spoke regarding this application who resides in the subdivision. She spoke regarding concerns with snow removal and safety for residents and future students, as well as concerns with regards to the future of the storm water management pond.
Staff confirmed that the property designated for the future school is large enough to ensure appropriate off-street parking and will comply with the Zoning By-law. Further, conditions of a Draft Plan of Approval will address sidewalks and crosswalks. It was also indicated that the storm water management pond is owned by the Town and is to remain as a pond.
There were no other members of the public wanting to speak to Council.
There was one additional correspondence which is attached to the Minutes.
Council members had the following clarifying questions:
- A clarification was requested regarding the storm water management ponds, it was confirmed that there is to be a new storm water management pond at the far west of the lands.
- Questions were raised regarding snow maintenance, it was confirmed that a Winter Maintenance Plan will come to Council at a later date, which will allow Council to have an opportunity to comment on the maintenance procedures in the subdivision.
- Questions about provisions for park lands were raised, it was clarified that when the subdivision was first planned there was a main central park (Summerside park) that would serve the entire subdivision with linear parks providing connectivity to the central park.
- It was confirmed that the transfer of land to be used for active transportation on Concession 10 in block 86 stretches across the entire length of the site.
- It was clarified that in the Draft Plan of Subdivision the Phase 12 was mislabeled. Phase 12 is the west side of the subdivision and phase 11 is the school block.
- Questions were raised regarding the public receiving public notice letters late, or not at all. It was confirmed letters were sent out and addresses were confirmed; however, the meeting is not a statutory public meeting and instead is additional consultation, and the notice period required is not the same.
- A question was raised regarding the future development labelled between Phase 8 and Phase 9 of the Draft Plan of Subdivision. It was confirmed the land was originally going to be a street extension; however it has now been identified to be conveyed to the Town for public purposes such as a linear park or servicing connection.
- A question was raised regarding the linear park stretching through Phase 10 and crossing Bruce Street, it was confirmed that it is narrower than the others that exist in the already built part of the subdivision.
- It was confirmed that there is landscaping planned for the land between the development and the 10th Concession with active transportation incorporated. There will be additional opportunities for landscaping and collaboration with the developer and the Town.
In the absence of any further questions, Mayor Charbonneau declared the public meeting closed.
Council had the following comments:
- Concerns were raised regarding the narrowness of the linear park stretching through Phase 10 and crossing Bruce Street and its safety. It was suggested that the developer could review lighting that would assist with increased safety of the park.
- Comments were made regarding the location of the school. It was noted that parking around existing schools in the municipality are a challenge, therefore the site plan needs to ensure that it can accommodate increased traffic a school will produce.
- A comment was received that a storm water pond can be great natural feature and it is important that they are built and created being wildlife friendly.