Council’s decision required great deal of deliberation
This week, Port Hope Council announced that a settlement has been reached with Penryn Mason Homes concerning “the woodlot.”
More specifically, regarding Phase 2 of OLT File OLT-22- 003126 (also referred to as Phase 5B Lands) the developer and the town have agreed to agree with conditions.
According to a town press release, “extensive negotiations by municipal staff and legal counsel at the direction of municipal Council” occurred.
Come September 7, both parties will attend an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) to present the results of their negotiation with the OLT expected to give its blessing.
The details of the current proposal, as outlined in the proposed settlement, includes development on Phase 5B lands (the woodlot and a 120m buffer around the woodlot) for low/medium density residential units, with 58 singled detached residential lots and 43 townhouses.
The settlement also includes:
- $100k contribution to the Municipality of Port Hope to be used within the Municipality for tree plantings / canopy replacement.
- Installation of enhanced landscaping features along the front of dwellings along Victoria Street South.
- Agreement by the proponent to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment, to the Municipality’s satisfaction, to address any development impacts on the cultural landscape and features identified in the LHC Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report and implement any recommendations of the Heritage Impact assessment on the lots within this plan of subdivision as identified in the assessment.
- The transfer of a significant part of the privately owned Little Creek ravine lands to the Municipality. While this land was previously protected lands, it will now be under the care and control of the Municipality for public recreation use by all.
According to the press release, a great outcome from the municipality’s perspective, was never in the books. “Probability of a successful outcome for the Municipality was deemed very low… significant costs, upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars… risk that the Municipality may not have gained any of the agreed upon concessions per the settlement agreement,” led the town to make a deal.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky said:
“This matter is critically important to our community, and I want to assure our residents that Council arrived at this decision after a great deal of deliberation and due diligence from our staff and our legal representation over a number of months and multiple meetings, at the direction of Council,” states Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “This was an exceedingly complex and challenging process. We take our responsibility to represent Port Hope residents very seriously and to make informed decisions that considers all of the perspectives, information and legal advice provided to us to serve the interests of the community as a whole. While this decision may be disappointing news to some members of our community, Council is confident it represents the best outcome in this scenario.”
Between now and September 7, either side may have some “technical and stylistic modifications,” that might impact the final agreement that is not a done deal until everything is signed.
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