The plan will result in the creation of two single-detached lots at the front of Daleview Dr., as well as four single-detached homes on Canboro Rd. Pictured: Mayor Marvin Junkin. Photo Credit: Town of Pelham.
The Pelham Town Council has reluctantly given its go-ahead to the construction of a new subdivision on Canboro Road in Fonthill, voting 4-3 in favour of amending the zoning bylaw, effectively tapping the land for residential use for single detached lots, and replacing its previous designation as an apartment dwelling.
This formal approval marked the conclusion of an extensive and lengthy debate, in which Mayor Marvin Junkin, multiple council members and many town residents vocalised significant reservations about the project. In spite of this fact, however, the developer, after modifying their proposal, ultimately secured the support of the majority of the council, as well as the acting director of community planning and development, William Tigert.
The plan will result in the creation of two single-detached lots at the front of Daleview Dr., as well as four single-detached homes on Canboro Rd. There is an historical home at 90 Canboro Rd., which will be preserved. A house at 86 Canboro Rd., as well as another house and garage at 82 Canboro Rd., however, will be taken down. Earlier this year, numerous citizens shared their concerns with council that the development would negatively impact affordable housing by tearing down a fourplex building, create road and infrastructure challenges and result in the displacement of as many as thirteen residents, including six seniors.
While Tigert expressed his understanding for the worries of locals, he explained that his team thoroughly poured over the plans of the developer and that it was consistent with existing guidelines. He also contended that the current absence of a municipal and/or regional regulatory framework for maintaining affordable housing meant that it would be untenable to oppose the development on these grounds. Tigert warned that if council were to vote against the proposal, the developer would have a clear path to obtain a demolition permit to take down the existing fourplex building, as well as the beloved historical property. As long as the zoning by-laws were accounted for in the demolition plans, Tigert said, council approval would not be required in this new scenario.
The view of Tigert was shared by Councillors Kevin Ker (Ward 1), John Wink (Ward 2) Bob Hildebrandt (Ward 3) and Shellee Niznik (Ward 3). Ker was overt about his persuasion that it was better to resolve the matter in its current context, while council still had to provide input. Ker referred to this favoured approach as “the lesser of two evils.”
Mayor Junkin, Councillor Wayne Olson (Ward 1) and Brian Eckhardt (Ward 2), however, remained unconvinced that proceeding was the best course of action. Olson voted against the proposal on the basis that pursuing exclusive dwellings was not a justifiable position for council to take. Junkin said that he could not get on board with a plan that would see an affordable housing unit, which is already in limited supply, demolished.
While the approval of council has been granted at this juncture, the developer will now have to turn its attention to executing its plan. How much it is able to salvage public opinion in the coming months and years remains to be seen.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
