On January 23, Champlain Township council approved zoning amendments and a pre-servicing agreement with Habitations Robert Inc. (HRI) to begin the second phase of the Vankleek Hill Valleys subdivision project. Phase two, found north of Arber Street, is expected to begin in the spring of 2025.
The required zoning amendments for Lots 7 and 8 on Concession 5 will allow HRI to proceed with its pre-servicing agreement with the township and construct utilities and roads for the development’s second phase. The holding provision for these zoned lots was implemented back in 2014.
Phase two includes developing 25 lots, with four being semi-detached dwellings and 21 for single detached homes. It will also include the extension of Milner Street and Farmers Avenue.
Council originally authorized the first phase of the development on June 10, 2021. Currently, 97 per cent of the lots have been sold, with 80 per cent of the properties either completed or under construction. They received confirmation that HRI is ready to proceed with their next steps.
Township Planner Paul Robitaille explained in his report to council that the HRI development project falls within the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement, whereas “land use patterns within settlement areas shall be based on densities and a mix of land uses which efficiently use land and resources.”
Additionally, Robitaille stated that “planning authorities shall support general intensification and redevelopment to support the achievement of complete communities.”
Council was also pleased to learn that there would be no financial implications for the township at this time, as HRI has already paid the application processing fee of $900 to rezone the lots, as well as the $1,000 fee for the pre-servicing agreement.
HRI will be required to provide the township with a Letter of Credit or a deposit of five per cent of the total value of work, totalling an estimated $79,649.64. HRI will also need to pay any legal, environmental, professional, automotive, and comprehensive insurance fees for the scope of the work described. They will also need to register the pre-service agreement at the Land Registry Office.
At the time of Robitaille’s report, no comments or issues were raised by members of the public or the community.
To ensure the project’s continued development within the parameters agreed upon, the Director of Public Works or a designated engineer may request any inspections or site improvements as deemed necessary.
Council approved both requests, with Councillor Peter Barton absent.
