Baby steps

Townhome builder still faces an uncertain path

A proposed 253-home development in Wellington (behind the Legion) will proceed to the next stage of development. Council approved rezoning of lands last week to permit the project of townhomes and singlefamily homes championed by Sterling Homes.

Homes could be rising out of the ground in 18 months. Or, it may be many years away—it is up to Shire Hall. Sterling’s Paul Mondell explained to Council that his project has a relatively easy pathway to the waterworks and isn’t reliant on new infrastructure that may be years from completion. The land’s proximity to the waterworks plants means it can start servicing as soon as site plan approval is completed.

But.

To do so, the municipality must free up some capacity.

“As of today, we have no sewer or water capacity,” explained Mondell. “If that were to change, even for a portion of the site, we think we could be marketing by the end of the year, with shovels in the ground this time next year.”

The developer’s work at Blue Mountain has revealed many of the same challenges facing Prince Edward County.

“If you are going to continue to grow other aspects of your economy, it’s important that you have places to live,” said Mondell. “You need to have places for people who can’t afford $1 million or $2 million homes. We are targeting firsttime homebuyers and retirees looking to downsize.”

A handful of residents spoke, urging council not to approve rezoning the property. Most objectors own homes adjacent to the project land and would prefer the developer build homes similar in size and scale to their own. They complained that the density of housing proposed by the developer threatens to compromise the peace and tranquillity of their neighbourhood.

Hillier councillor Chris Braney encouraged the neighbours to consider the bigger picture.

“This is the first plan I’ve seen in two years that gives us some affordability, some density and some opportunities for County residents and their children and grandchildren to have a life here,” said Braney. The former school trustee cautioned that the school in Wellington is at risk in an aging community. “We need a flourishing, vibrant community. Schools are the social safety net of our community. I see this as an opportunity.”

Council approved the rezoning. The next step is to prepare a site plan. It does not yet have waterworks capacity, but Mondell and Sterling Homes want to be part of a solution.