New apartment proposed for Colborne

These examples of multi-unit buildings were included in the PLanning Rationale provided by consultant Bob Clark for builder, McDonald Homes.




Colborne may see a new 14-unit two-storey apartment building on the corner of Arthur Street and Victoria Street. Planning permission is being sought by builder Dave McDonald on behalf of landowners Steve Bowskill and Jean Jensen to erect the project on .863 acres of land which fronts both streets.

An amendment to the township's Official Plan and a zoning amendment are required before the township can issue a building permmit. The vacant land is currently designated "Community Facility" in the official plan. Under its current designation the owners could build government offices, community centres, fraternal association halls, clinics, homes for the aged or retirement lodges, nursing homes, boarding or training schools, places of worship, police stations, public works buildings,and other buildings for public use.

Under the proposed change they will be restricted to residential buildings. In the planning rationale for the change, Clark Consulting Services points out that the proposed change will make the land more compatible with current land use in the area.

The 14 apartments in the building planned for the site will have two bedrooms. When asked who will be the targetted users, Mr. Bowskill said he is aiming at the seniors market. With the high cost of construction he estimates the units will rent from $900 to $1,400 per month, out of the range of the low rental market. They will be about 800 square feet in area.

In his report to the builder, Mr. Clark explains how the proposed building meets the goals of the Provincial Policy Statement, the Cramahe Official Plan, and the Community Improvement Plan. If the proposal is accepted by Cramahe Council, the report shows that the land use will meet or exceed the requirements of township zoning bylaws.

The planned building will sit on the south side of the property with 18 parking spaces behind it and a driveway on the west.

In the opinion of the consultant, the proposed apartment is "appropriate and represents a favourable development in the (former) village of Colborne".

It is required by law that all landowners within 120 metres be notified of the proposed change. Cramahe Bylaw Officer, Jim Harris stated that noties of the proposed change have been sent to 48 landowners around the site

The request for an Official Plan amendment and a zoning amendment will be discussed in a public meeting in the Council Chambers of the Cramahe Township Office on Oct. 20 at 6:45 p.m.