Another step in the planning and approval process for a proposed 829-unit subdivision in Owen Sound was marked at city council’s meeting on Monday.
A technical report for “Greystone Village” was presented to council for the mixed-use build being proposed by Markham-based Flato Developments at 1409 and 1415 8th Street East. The 73-acre property is located on the south side of 8th Street East, across from Georgian College and East Ridge Community School.
The subdivision would include the construction of three commercial blocks along 8th Street East. The plan for the residential area includes 222 street-fronting townhouse units, 111 rear-lane townhomes, 318 back-to-back townhouse units and 160 units in an apartment block. Only 18 single homes are in the applicant’s proposal.
The proposal for Greystone Village also includes the construction of several local roads, three park blocks, a stormwater management system and the realignment of an existing drainage channel. It would also include the extension of 16th Avenue East, 15th Avenue East and 7th Street East.
Council approved a recommendation directing staff to continue to process the draft plan of subdivision, zoning by-law and official plan amendments. The developer is seeking an official plan amendment to increase the permitted density in residential medium density designated zones from 26-50 units per hectare, to 26-60 units per hectare.
“If council’s new city official plan were in effect, I would note that the official plan amendment would not be required,” Owen Sound’s Director of Community Services Pam Coulter told councillors on Monday. “I think it shows this development is moving forward with council in the spirit of using the lands efficiently.”
The technical report came to council just a couple of days ahead of an open house the developer is hosting in Owen Sound. Flato is running a drop-in community engagement session from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Best Western Inn On The Bay to garner feedback on its plans for Greystone Village.
Coun. Scott Greig applauded the developer during Monday’s council meeting for organizing its own public engagement session to display its plans.
Several other councillors spoke about the proposed subdivision in a positive manner, calling it great news for the city.
Coun. Marion Koepke: “This is a well needed project in this area and in Owen Sound.”
Coulter told councillors the next step in the city’s process in reviewing the application is a notice of public meeting, which will likely come in early 2022. She says a recommendation report could come back to council sometime in the first six months of next year, depending on the input received through the public process.