The Ontario Land Tribunal has given the green light to a significant development project in Perth that is expected to boost the town’s population and repurpose a portion of one of Canada’s oldest golf courses.
Caivan, a company based in Ottawa, initially requested the town council to modify a zoning bylaw in 2023. However, due to the town’s failure to meet the Planning Act deadline, the developer was able to appeal to the tribunal.
While concerns have been raised by some locals regarding potential traffic congestion, strain on municipal services, and environmental impacts, the tribunal has determined that the revised plans address resident worries and comply with both local and provincial laws. The approval was announced on Tuesday.
One longstanding resident, Richard Schooley, supports the idea of increasing housing in Perth but has reservations about the scale and intensity of the proposed development. He emphasized the importance of balancing community concerns with the need for progress.
Caivan has successfully overcome a key obstacle in its plans to establish a subdivision featuring 1,061 homes on the Perth Golf Course. This development will also incorporate approximately two hectares of parkland, commercial space for the neighborhood, and essential infrastructure for transportation and stormwater management.
The revised proposal includes about a hundred more housing units than originally planned, comprising single-detached homes, townhouses, and an affordable housing block to accommodate roughly 2,400 individuals. This expansion aims to alleviate the local housing shortage, with Perth’s population standing at around 6,500 as of 2021.
Mayor Judy Brown stated that 113 conditions must be met before Caivan can commence construction. Notably, the initial 200 homes cannot be built until enhancements are made to the Tay River bridge on Peter Street, which connects the golf course to the town. Subsequent phases of the project will be initiated once another river crossing is established and the town’s water capacity is confirmed.
Despite opposition from certain residents, Mayor Brown believes that the increased housing will lead to year-round foot traffic for downtown businesses and boost tax revenues for the town. She underscored the necessity of updating aging infrastructure to meet current needs.
The development project is expected to not only fulfill housing demands but also stimulate economic growth in the town center, as highlighted by Mayor Brown.