By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—Plans are progressing toward the construction of a new 240-unit retirement facility in Dunnville, located on 12.99 acres of land at 726 Broad Street East.
While the subject lands in question are more than large enough to house the facility, they present some challenges to the proponent as well.
“While it is a large property, the building envelope is a little smaller than some other developed pieces within Dunnville due to the presence of some significant woodlands on the property, as well as a flood plain that is regulated by the GRCA,” said Neil Stoop, Senior Planner for Haldimand County.
Staff have deemed the proposal to be functional, supported by both a Functional Servicing Report and a Traffic Brief, however they are still awaiting final comments from GRCA regarding flood modelling and an archaeological assessment of the subject lands.
Stoop shared some details from the current concept plan for the new facility: “It forms two buildings, A and B, and each will be built in two phases around a central parking facility and then a linear green space to the west of the property with landscaping and some other features included there.”
Units will be rental based, with tenants receiving three meals a day prepared in house by facility staff. Unlike long-term care homes, the facility will not provide medical care to tenants, instead looking to attract newly retired people who are mobile and enjoy getting out in the community, with light assisted-living features for those who need help with simple tasks in their daily lives, such as remembering to take medication or help getting dressed.
Currently, the lands are zoned General Commercial and are subject to a holding provision, applied to ensure adequate servicing capacity exists, and a special provision, which currently limits use of the property to a supermarket and accessory uses.
The proponent sought to have both provisions removed, as well as the removal of a requirement that units within the facility are 40 square metres, seeking to limit them to 30 square metres due to the lack of a need for kitchen facilities in the units.
“This is an excellent proposal for our community; much needed. I know in terms of our citizens that they have to go outside of the county to receive such care,” said Councillor Bernie Corbett, who also asked why the flood plain mapping aspect of the project is taking longer than initially anticipated.
“The applicants have submitted flood plain modelling from their consultant to the County and GRCA. The heavy lifting ultimately lies with GRCA. They sought out some additional information to clarify parts of that report,” replied Stoop. “We’re just waiting on final comment from GRCA specific to this property.”
“We haven’t heard anything of concern from GRCA to date,” added Mike Evers, General Manager of Planning and Development for the County. “We’ll continue to keep Council informed as we get closer to their sign-off.”
A final approval on the development is still pending and will not be issued until County staff have presented a recommendation report and zoning bylaw amendment to Council. Additionally, in addition to the flood plain mapping clarifications being sought by GRCA, Six Nations Council have expressed concerns related to the woodlot on the south and southwest portions of the property. While the development is not anticipated to disrupt the wooded area, limits of work fencing will be required.
“I want to thank you for choosing Haldimand County to come and bring your project,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “If there’s anything we can do … to help facilitate, I know that staff as well as Councill will do whatever we can to help you. You identified a need in Haldimand County, it’s something we’ve heard from many people, and we certainly want to help facilitate that need and fill that hole…. I can’t wait to see it open and to see people enjoy it.”
