West Grey council has endorsed a proposed subdivision in Durham.
Council approved entering into an agreement with Cobide Engineering to complete all the needed documents to apply for a subdivision at 451 Durham Road West, around the new future police station during a meeting on Dec. 5.
The preliminary design of the proposed subdivision features 27 units, including 22 semi-detached homes, one three-unit townhouse, two single family dwelling lots, and a minimum 14-unit apartment building.
A report from Director of Development and Infrastructure Karl Schipprack says the lot is flexible, and the size and number of units can be adjusted.
The cost to develop the subdivision is about $2.3 million, which includes engineering, planning reports, water, sanitary and SWM service installation, curb gutters, sidewalks, and roads.
It is estimated the sale of the lots would generate $3.5 million in revenue for the municipality.
“It’s a two to three year process, so where we are in two to three years for property sales will ultimately determine what profits are made. The hope is there would definitely be some money available to put back in towards the police station and the overall construction,” says Schipprack.
Coun. Doug Hutchinson voiced his support for the proposed subdivision.
“I like the concept of being able to sell residential lots to help cover some of the costs of the police station and so on,” says Hutchinson.
Municipal staff have also been working with Cobide and Grey County to provide a location for a proposed Grey County paramedic station on the same property. Work is ongoing to confirm final plans.
Hutchinson questioned if it would be worth putting a fire station on this property, but Schipprack says it would be better to look at another property to install one to not have all important infrastructure in one place.
Construction on the new police station and the paramedic station are all anticipated to begin in spring 2024, with tender documents for the police service building going out this month.