Land could see new homes

Property near old train station sought by developer

By NATHAN TAYLOR The Packet & Times

Updated 10 months ago

A property acquisition could breathe life into acres of land near downtown that have been vacant for years.

Rexton Developments Ltd is hoping to acquire a portion of city-owned land at 150 Front St. S. (home to the chamber of commerce and the old train station) in order to create a multi-residential and commercial development.

Because council gave staff the go-ahead to negotiate a conditional agreement, "the city could potentially address several important issues" regarding the city's long-term recreational trail development program, Atherley Road widening and "the securing of an unregistered sanitary sewer trunk main easement," a staff report states.

That could mean good news for trail users looking for a direct link from King Street (where the trail ends) to the trail along Lake Couchiching.

"We do need that link. I believe that link to be vital," said Coun. Patrick Kehoe. "I would hope, ultimately, that would be one of the foremost (priorities)."

Kehoe said he supported development in that area. So does Coun. Tony Madden.

"I can envision medium-density-style condominiums, with close access to the trail, and marketing it toward seniors, but not only seniors," he said, noting the seniors represent a "significant market."

Madden also said contaminated properties in town — some of the land is formerly industrial — could create an opportunity for the city and developers.

"This is where I think the city can be involved," he said. "I would personally be open to development, as far as providing incentives to encourage them to develop brownfields."

City staff have been directed to "negotiate a conditional agreement of purchase and sale" with Rexton Developments Ltd.

The Toronto-based developer, already owns 23 acres in the area, property that is surrounded by Elgin Street, Front Street, Industrial Street and the Lightfoot Trail.

Last year, the city and Rexton began negotiating a land swap, with Rexton wanting to acquire 874 square metres of municipal land at 150 Front St. S. in exchange for 843 square metres of land Rexton owns near Cedar Island Road.

During negotiations, Rexton expanded its request for additional city-owned parcels, including a stretch of Cedar Island Road. Rexton would have to develop an alternative road before closing Cedar Island Road. A possible alternative to that plan, according to a staff report, would be a "realignment of Cedar Island Road to join the road network at King Street and Front Street."

Rexton is also looking to acquire a couple of parcels that are portions of Industrial Street.

Contamination in the area has also been brought to light, with Rexton having received its Phase 2 environmental site assessment. The assessment "indicates that the site is characterized by exceedences of various forms of industrial wastes and byproducts (i.e. heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)," the report states. Approximately 13,340 cubic metres of soil would have to be removed and properly disposed of, while some 40%, or 5,336 cubic metres, of the "impacted soils material" would have to be taken to a treatment facility licensed by the Ministry of the Environment.

"We know the lands have an industrial history. I don't think anyone's surprised by that," public works director Peter Dance said Tuesday.

A staff report states the developer wants to "accommodate up to 769 residential dwelling units (in various built forms)."

Staff will report back to council committee in closed session at a later date.

The timeframe "is really going to be developer driven," Dance said.

Madden doesn't "expect there will be a lot of resistance by the city to get this done."

"I think we want to be getting these deals done. We don't want to be standing in the way."

Calls to a Rexton representative were not returned.

ntaylor@orilliapacket.com

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