Council approves St. Thomas Line subdivision, but pauses accompanying trail
By Mark Squibb
Paradise council has approved a 119-lot subdivision off St. Thomas Line, which includes extensions to Phoenix Drive and Kemble Avenue.
The application marks the completion of Octagon Development Corporation’s Picco Ridge subdivision, which has been in the works since 2015.
Including lots formerly approved by council over the years, the subdivision will boast nearly 200 lots all told, including both single dwelling and semi-detached dwellings.
Councillor Sheldon Antle noted that over the years a number of residents, particularly those on Madison Place, have raised concerns about the development, especially the construction of a walking trail.
Last year, council received a petition signed by 16 residents against the walking trail, arguing it would intrude on the privacy of homes on Madison increasing the risk of thefts. Fears about possible contamination of well water due to blasting for the trail was also raised.
Antle suggested that as the trail is one of the last things to be completed, council could approve the application for the houses now and work out the details on the trail later.
“It’s a phase-by-phase piece, so (the trail development) would certainly be down the road a fair bit,” said Antle. “I believe that would allow time for the applicant and the developer to have a discussion with respect to their needs and their requirements, and in the interim, the other work can get going. We would allow them time to work through some of the concerns with respect to Madison Place, so I think that’s a bit of a compromise we can find. My understanding is that this is a developer who has a fair bit of common sense and will certainly work with the applicant, and I know that the residents there are willing to work alongside as well.”
Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street said she was happy to hear that staff will contact the developer and residents on Madison to discuss the concerns.
“I’m going to support this development approval moving forward, however I would like to see, as councillor Antle had mentioned, basically a hold off on this particular open space determination right now until those concerns are addressed,” said Street.
Councillor Jennifer Hiscock said she was hoping a happy medium could be struck.
“Like Deputy Mayor Street said, I would absolutely support this development moving forward, this is something that has been in the works for a long time, but I would like to reconsider that trail piece,” said Hiscock, who suggested moving the trail elsewhere, if possible.
CAO Lisa Niblock cautioned that if council insists on the trail not being developed until a consensus is reached, a condition saying as much must be included in the application.
“Once you approve it as is, that (trail work) could be the first thing that starts tomorrow morning,” said Niblock.
Councillor Glen Carew voiced his support of a trail, given the lack of sidewalks on St. Thomas Line, but agreed with pausing approval of it until the kinks can be worked out.
Similarly, councillor Erin Furlong supported the idea of the trail, and said she hopes the developer and residents can work out an agreement.
“I’m definitely in support of the project moving forward, as long as we can figure this trail piece out later,” said Furlong.
Ultimately, council approved the application, subject to 24 conditions, with the understanding that any trail construction will be brought back for another vote before work begins.