On Council agenda for 10/30 there is a Planning Report regarding an application for 4 town homes to be built at Cooper Drive and Dr. Kay. Given that approval of the requested Official Plan Amendment and the zoning bylaw amendment results in residential being built on what is flood plain, an identified Environmental Constrain Area, I am very uncomfortable with the report as it stands. In last 4 months we have seen the impact of building on flood plains. I need to understand far more why we would be approving this application at this stage. As indicated there are numerous conditions still to be addressed before they could commence construction; why don’t we wait until those conditions are met?
Don’t build on a flood plain. Don’t burden us with higher taxes to accommodate the destruction which will eventually occur due to flooding. These days this risk is greater than ever, ever since THE last big flood. Insurance companies pay for damage and the property owners pay the insurance companies. But who pays for the damaged and destroyed infrastructure and the special emergency services which are required when floods occur?
And who will champion prevention?
Is it not clear that we in North America, are in a new environmental circumstance with regard to flooding. It’s not free to the individual who is not impacted. At the very least everyone’s insurance policy cost will go up.
We pride ourselves in King Township for having an environmental charter, a sustainability document. Is that just for fun or for show?! Or does it have no guidelines dealing with this current scourge, climate change?!
The global environment is deteriorating at a dreadful pace. Those who do not prepare for new disasters concerning wind and rain and drought will suffer.
thanks Hans for reminding me about insurance and the impact on everyone!
!
Hi Debbie,
I agree with you in that I believe this proposed development is inappropriate for this location. The Dufferin Marsh is already under stress from the existing housing and commercial businesses. These four new town homes will impact the marsh negatively by increasing the run-off of salt laden water into this sensitive wetland.
A good percentage of this site is on a flood plain. So much so that the developer is proposing that entry to these proposed homes be from the rear, namely from the parking lot of the Foodland supermarket.
In the past this proposal would not have seen the light of day. Since Hurricane Hazel building on a flood plain has been a definite no no but it seems that in the name of “progress”, all the rules are being thrown out of the window so that a “quick buck” can be made.
Having a functional and relatively healthy wetland within the village of Schomberg is a marvel and something residents should be proud of. Why jeopardize this natural treasure by allowing inappropriate development?
Council should stand fast and reject this project. Too much is being lost in the uncontrolled urge to cover our natural places with asphalt.
Agree. Your comment reminds me to not just think about why the town houses are not “right” but to also think about “the marvel”
Hi Debbie,
In my view this application to amend the OP from Environmental Constraint Area to Residential Area makes little to no sense, and should not be approved.
Given the very evident rapid changes to climate and the extreme weather events being experienced in virtually every part of the world, it is very unwise to build in flood plain areas. Even some of the conditions in the staff report refer to potential flood events in this area and how emergency vehicles would gain access and residents could be evacuated.
I understand from history that due to excessive flooding in the valleys of Toronto from Hurricane Hazel, the loss of life and extensive loss of homes and other structures that the Ontario regional conservation authorities were created, and that future building in flood plains was prohibited.
In the context of the Schomberg Community Plan, the proposed townhouses are off on their own in an unusual location surrounded by wetland on one side and commercial on the other (Brownsville Junction).
Great efforts have been made to restore the Dufferin Marsh, and the placement of the four townhouses in this location adds a new risk to the eco-health of the Dufferin Marsh.
This application should not proceed, and the land should be incorporated into a more naturalized use – possibly recreational use where flooding would only bring minimal damage. Bruce