Norfolk County councilors on Tuesday got their first look at a proposed condominium development in Simcoe.
Boer Homes Construction wants to build six semi-detached homes on a .76 acre parcel of land at 210 Argyle St. in Simcoe. The plans calls for three buildings featuring two units each to be located on one lot.
The property is close to Norfolk Golf and Country Club and Lynnview Terrace Seniors’ apartments. The proposal was presented to councilors at a council-in-committee meeting.
Speaking on behalf of Boer Homes, John Vallee, president of Vallee Consulting Engineers, Architects and Planners, called the proposal a simple development that meets the goals of the county’s official plan.
The proposal is an example of the kind of variety of housing required by the official plan and it is an infill project. It is also an example of a multi-family residential development, Vallee said.
“We’re helping you meet the targets set out in your official plan,” Vallee said.
Every unit will look out onto the golf course and will, in all likelihood, be higher end homes in a lovely area, Vallee said.
The proposal is also consistent with provincial government residential development policy, Vallee said.
The developer is seeking a zoning bylaw amendment to facilitate the project.
Vallee told councilors the proposed dwelling units will provide flexible, age-friendly housing and have two second floor bedrooms and a main floor den. Each unit will have its own dedicated outdoor space.
Semi-detached dwellings are encouraged in the county and generally sell at a more attainable price point that single detached dwellings, he said.
count. Alan Duthie said the development would benefit the area but wondered if any consultation had taken place with Norfolk Golf and Country Club representatives.
Vallee said he hadn’t been part of the consultation but said Boer Homes had spoken with country club officials.
Specifically, an earlier version of the proposal called for some tree removal but, after country club officials raised concerns, the plan was adjusted to keep the trees intact, Vallee said.
But councilors were also told the entrance to the property is on a hill and at the top of the hill, there is a curve.
There is a lot of traffic that comes down the hill at a high rate of speed. The street is a traffic corridor for a lot of seniors with scooters and bikes, councilors were told.
Most of the seniors used the street rather than the sidewalks, councilors were told .They go on the road because the sidewalks are too rough creating a dangerous situation.
Councilors voted in favor of accepting the proposal as information. It will come back to councilors for further discussion following a review by county planning staff.
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