The City of Belleville’s Planning Advisory Committee hosted a public meeting Monday on the major development planned for the Black Bear Ridge Golf Course property.
The developers are asking for Official Plan and zoning amendments that would eventually allow the construction of over 3,000 residential units,
resort accommodations, and recreational facilities on 370 hectares of land on Harmony Road.
resort accommodations, and recreational facilities on 370 hectares of land on Harmony Road.
Only a few residents spoke to council, most of whom live on Harmony Road.
Concerns included how construction would affect current residents, how increased traffic loads will be dealt with and the project’s impact on property taxes.
There was also a question about how underground infrastructure like sewer and water would be handled.
Chair of the Planning Advisory Committee and Ward 2 Councillor Paul Carr noted that they will not make any approvals until they are sure about the infrastructure required underground.
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“Like any other project in this city, we’re not going to do anything above ground until we know what we’re doing underground so that we only do it once, if it’s approved.”
Staff also noted that any current residents would not be required to connect to municipal sewer and water services if they don’t want to.
Stephen Ashton, director, Engineering and Development Service addressed a concern about taxes for residents on Harmony Road and the surrounding area skyrocketing because of the infrastructure that will have to be built to support the development.
He says it will be mainly the responsibility of the developer through development charges.
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“Now obviously Harmony Road, the school will want to sort of tap in so they’ll be responsible if they want to tap into that infrastructure to contribute to it but generally new growth pays for the new infrastructure that’s required to service it.”
While a Traffic Impact Study has been done, it will be reviewed and adjusted as the project moves forward.
The development would take decades to complete.
The matter has been referred back to staff who will provide a future report on the rezoning request.
