Residents of Concession 1 in East Hawkesbury continue to raise concerns about possible development on commercial land where their road meets County Road 14 and the Highway 417 interchange.
On March 19, 2024, East Hawkesbury council accepted an offer for the purchase of the 1.13-hectare property, which the township had declared surplus. The land is zoned highway commercial, which allows for developments such as a gas station to be built on the site. However, the township has not yet received any plan from the property owner about what they would like to build on the land. Without that plan, the township cannot make any comments on the development status of the property. At the Monday, June 17 township council meeting, Concession 1 resident Sabrina MacDowell, who lives across from the property, addressed council with several concerns and questions.
In May, the trees on the previously forested property were completely cleared. The land is now completely covered in topsoil. MacDowell told council the trees were removed beyond the property line and onto the right-of-way for Highway 417, which is the property of the Ministry of Transportation. She said an email to municipal staff questioning the tree removal was not answered. MacDowell also asked what regulations exist about tree removal and if there are consequences for not obeying those regulations. MacDowell also alleged brush fires were set on the property and were left unsupervised, and ashes blew onto nearby residential properties.
MacDowell addressed the potential traffic safety hazards for nearby residents, particularly children, people with special needs, and the elderly. She said the residents are concerned because any entrance to a commercial development must be from Concession 1. MacDowell said the residents are also concerned about increased noise and light pollution.
Other safety concerns MacDowell highlighted include increased break-ins or the potential for a gas station to be used as a point of exchange in child abductions.
Environmental concerns raised by MacDowell include the fact the property is 750 metres from the boundary of Voyageur Provincial Park, the protection of endangered species turtle habitat, and how the land surrounding the lot has been identified as a Highly Vulnerable Aquifer and Significant Groundwater Recharge area as a source of drinking water.
MacDowell also said the residents are concerned about extra trash being left in the area and asked the township to provide further information to the residents whenever a development plan is received and to obtain an estimated timeline for the ensuing process.
Following MacDowell’s presentation, there were no questions or comments from council. Mayor Robert Kirby said the questions and concerns will be forwarded to municipal administration who will provide answers.
