St. Catharines poised to reject large housing development
Published September 8, 2022 at 2:20 pm
A proposal that calls for a large development of houses, high-rises, shops and industry near St. Catharines’ lakefront is facing opposition at city hall.
The proposal, which will come before city council next week, is slated for 406 Lakeshore Rd. in Port Weller and calls for a major redevelopment of 44 acres of land between Seaway Haulage Rd. and Read Rd. near the border of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Plans call for a majority of the land to be used for homes and townhouses as well as space for high-density buildings such as apartments and condominiums. Commercial properties are also part of the proposal as well as some industrial. A park is also in the plans.
The site is currently used as an orchard and includes a house and farm buildings with nearby industry and more farm land.
However, in reviewing the proposal, St. Catharines city staff are urging politicians to reject the proposal over concerns that housing is not an appropriate use of the land.
City staff argues that the development does not meet the current needs of the community on several fronts.
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In a report to councillors, city staff say the proposed community “would be isolated from other residential communities with poor
access to community facilities, transit and neighbourhood-supporting uses.” As such, the development is “car-centric” and does not coincide with environmental and green initiatives.
As well, city staff says the area is currently zoned for employment uses which is necessary for the future economic growth of the area.
While the staff report recommends rejecting the development project, city council will have the final say on the matter and could still vote to approve the plan.
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