Haliburton seniors’ home project can proceed after zoning hold lifted

1 sunnyside halliburton
Google Maps image of the development site

Ontario Construction News staff writer

A holding provision on zoning that has delayed construction of a seniors’ home in Haliburton for a few years has now been lifted.

There were a series of complicated technical requirements that caused delays in the project at 1 Sunnyside St. in Haliburton, including the holding provision on the property that was issued by the Ontario Municipal Board years ago in the wake of a former condo proposal for the site.

Council approved the site plan for the seniors housing project and requested that the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (L-PAT), issue an order to lift the holding provision. That issue was ordered early this month, and during a recent special meeting, council voted to lift the hold.

“We have said all along we would try to expedite this process,” said Mayor Andrea Roberts.

The only condition currently outstanding is approval of a water system for the facility. Council has made that condition criteria for occupancy of the building.

Construction is expected to last 16 months, with 70 units of a planned 120 units being constructed during the project’s first phase.

Studies that the developer – Bill Mardimae of Gardens Retirement Development Inc. – completed regarding a well on the property have shown there is enough water supply in the area, so neighbouring wells should not be affected, and the water will require some treatment for hardness.

An environmental assessment may be required, although the developer and municipality’s legal counsel disagree with the Ministry of the Environment claim.

Whether or not that must be completed will be an issue that will be settled between the developer and the province, as will a requirement for a retaining wall that has been requested the Ministry of Transportation.

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