Town of Parry Sound Council is asking for more details on the regional impact of Seguin’s plan to rezone 700 acres on the southern border of the town for residential development.
The Township was looking for Parry Sound’s support for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO), which would expedite rezoning for the development.
Following a special meeting on Tuesday, the council approved a resolution stating that an MZO was premature, urging further analysis of the regional impact of such a large rezoning next to Parry Sound.
“Seguin’s proposal could create a community as large as the Town of Parry Sound, right on our border,” says Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey. “We need to be sure we will have enough healthcare workers, teachers, social service agencies, and that roads and infrastructure can manage increased demand without an impact on property taxes.”
The area in question is in the northwest corner of Seguin bordering Parry Sound, at the former Parry Sound Rd. and Oastler Park Drive and includes the area formerly known as the Georgian Green.
At the meeting, the municipality says council heard from planning, economic and legal experts who said more information was needed on the proposal to understand potential impacts on the Town. The Town says being a regional hub, it provides essential and important services not found in surrounding communities. The town says a new, large-scale community would increase demand on services. The municipality wants to understand how these demands could continue to be met for current and new residents.
As an immediate step to increase the area’s attainable housing, the town says the resolution encouraged municipalities in the area to meet provincial policy requirements and follow the Town’s example by permitting secondary suites. It also asked for support for additional discussions around boundary adjustments to ensure efficient delivery.