Stratford’s planning chair has announced that a new plan crucial for the town’s growth is nearing completion, with council expected to approve it before the municipal election in November. The Town of Stratford is in the process of updating its official plan and zoning and development bylaw, essential documents that dictate the location and manner in which new residential and commercial properties are constructed.
After nearly two years of consultations, a draft of the plan and bylaw has been made available for public scrutiny. Jeff MacDonald, chair of the town’s planning, development, and heritage committee, stated that they are close to finalizing the process. He anticipates that the plan will undergo its first reading before council in September, with the aim of getting it endorsed before the current council’s term ends in November.
According to MacDonald, feedback from residents regarding the draft has been largely positive, with a public meeting held on Wednesday garnering favorable responses. Over the past couple of years, the town has engaged in various activities such as focus groups, surveys, information sessions, and open houses to gather input from the community.
The primary concern expressed by residents throughout the consultation process was the preservation of the existing community character while supporting controlled growth in appropriate areas of the town. To address these issues, the town is planning for managed growth by introducing a mixed-use zone along the main highway that divides Stratford. This zone will feature buildings with commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above, promoting easier access to amenities and services for residents.
Additionally, the town is aiming for “gentle density” in traditional residential neighborhoods outside the core area, which includes options like semi-detached homes, stacked townhouses, and townhomes designed to blend seamlessly with the existing streetscape. MacDonald emphasized that advancements in building technology and architectural design have made it possible to manage density in a subtle manner, ensuring new developments harmonize with the surroundings.
Stratford has collaborated with an architectural studio to offer pre-approved building plans, including designs for “missing middle” housing and single-detached homes, to streamline the development process for interested parties. The town also intends to empower development officers with more authority to expedite approvals for compliant projects, especially amidst high demand for housing in the region.
Regarding the Foxwoods subdivision proposal, MacDonald clarified that despite public confusion, the project has not yet received approval. The Flourish Development Group has submitted an application for a subdivision with 287 housing units off Kinlock Road, which may include foldable homes for quicker installation and more affordable housing options. MacDonald mentioned that the concept of lower-cost modular homes has not received significant support from constituents, leading to the proposal being sent back to the developer for revision. As of now, there is no active consideration of the Foxwoods subdivision proposal by the planning committee.