Managing Growth in the County
The County is poised for significant population growth in the next 20 years. Studies show that we will be recipients of considerable population movement out of major centres to the more attractive county environment.
From the rural standpoint we see this in new home construction, especially along CR13.
How we handle this growth is governed by our Official Plan, which in turn is directed by the Province through the recently updated Provincial Planning Statement.
The Official Plan, following the Province's requirements focuses housing growth in the already defined built up areas with water and wastewater services- mostly Picton and Wellington. All of the major proposals for development are occurring there.
At least 10,000 housing units of various types are at various stages of the planning process with several subdivisions breaking ground this year.
In terms of infrastructure to support these developments, the County has a legal responsibility to provide water and wastewater services and we are currently unable to do that
Consequently, we have undertaken numerous studies as required by law and are still in the process of determining how and when to build new plants to meet the requirements of development.
The best overall report showing where we are at is Director Laansta's report of January 29. It includes links to all the relevant studies and information sources:
7CF2E737090C43508CED2FFE99709AE8-DS-09-26 with links - with Adam_s signature.pdf
Subsequent to the January 29 report, Council made a determination of what direction to pursue as detailed at agenda item 6.1 of this agenda:
CC8DD98471814C4FB8F1186DD348E8E2-DS-41-2026.pdf
Proceeding with these plans will be a critical action of the next Council and will require considerable attention to detail and not just knee-jerk reaction to uninformed coffee shop conversations which seem to have dominated the current Council.
I speak often with the major developers who are chomping at the bit to proceed with their plans, but need certainty that the services will be there. They are all committed to up front payment of development charges which go a long way to funding these infrastructure projects ensuring minimal impact on current rate payers.