Builder

Barry Davidson among the maples and locusts at Twelve Trees in Wellington.

Nascent developer looking to expand housing alternatives

Barry Davidson needs to make things happen. While others point out gaps and needs in the community Davidson puts his energy toward tackling them. He quietly but deliberately sets out each day to work toward a solution.

Since the rails were removed from the spur line of the Central Canada Railway that ran through the County, many dozens of people have met around tables to discuss the potential role of what is now known as the Millennium Trail. But rather than talk about it, Davidson marshalled the support of the Wellington Rotary club, local heavy equipment contractors and volunteers to reclaim and resurface an eight kilometre stretch of the trail—creating a model for the redevelopment, one day, of the trails entire 49 kilometres.

Now Davidson has embarked on a new project. Once again he is responding to a long-discussed need in the community—a need neither the market nor government seem able to fill.

His plan is to build 32 new residential units in Wellington on a property known as Twelve Trees. The development comprises a 24-unit condominium apartment building overlooking Lake Ontario and eight townhomes on Main Street. The architecture and design will mirror the neighbourhood—forming a continuation of the streetscape.

Great care is being taken to preserve and maintain the trees on the property. An inventory has already been taken by a certified arborist. There are 33 mature trees that have avoided severe damage from last winter’s ice storm. The 12 trees that give the property its name line the laneway of the property—they consist of seven black locusts, three silver maples and two sugar maples. Some of the maples are badly damaged, and will be replaced.

There is a need for a wider range of residential housing in Wellington, and indeed across the County. Most housing, including new construction, is detached dwellings with lawns, gardens and driveways. But as this community’s population grows older, the desire and ability to care for lawns, to shovel snow and to tend to household maintenance diminishes. In the County there are few housing options when the workload of a detached home and yard become too much.

This sense was confirmed when Davidson prepared and conducted a market survey last fall. He asked homeowners what kind of housing they wished to graduate to—size, amenities, and feature.

With these findings in hand, he set to work with architect Bill Hurst to determine if they could develop something to meet these needs, and where it might be located. The survey results pointed to a village setting—within walking distance of groceries, a bank and shops.

Davidson and his investor group landed on the Twelve Trees property, situated a few hundred yards west of the lights in Wellington. It is a large waterfront property, bounded on either side by densely populated residential neighbourhoods.

Both the townhomes and three-storey apartment building will be clad with brick and wood siding.

“We are copying the feel of downtown Wellington,” said Davidson. “When done, it should look like its been there all along.”

Davidson isn’t a developer. This is all new to him. But he knows what the market wants and he is determined that this be a local project—designers, builders, investors and labour. He isn’t deterred by the challenges ahead.

First, he must navigate the regulatory minefield. The property must be rezoned, a site plan agreement negotiated and water and sewer capacity allocated. There are potentially lethal challenges at every step, even though the newly minted secondary plan for Wellington has identified this form of housing as desirable and much needed.

He is also working to win support from the community. Yesterday, he hosted an information meeting with the neighbours to impress upon them that he and his team will be sensitive and responsive to their needs, as well as the natural qualities of the property.

Mostly, he points to the need for alternative forms of housing in this community. He has seen many of his neighbours and friends forced to leave this community because their home became too much of a burden and there was little to choose from in terms of condominium properties—where the costs of maintenance, yards and snow removal are shared.

The apartments are large—about 1,700 square feet—each with a grand view of Lake Ontario. Parking for the townhomes will be in the rear, no garages on Main Street. The project will retain much of the green space that defines the property as parkland.

“We are building this for ourselves and for others who want to stay in the County,” said Davidson.

So far he has 11 commitments; he will need at least 24 such commitments before shovels begin to dig. He has no doubt he will get there.

“All the feedback, so far, has been positive,” said Davidson.

If all goes well, Davidson anticipates emerging from the regulatory process by the summer and ready to begin construction by the fall.