Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – At the last council meeting on December 18, Planner Ashley Sawyer presented a report on the Nairn Trails Subdivision, a proposed development that will have significant implications for the Nairn community settlement area. The subdivision plan involves a 52.5-acre parcel of land in the southwest part of the settlement, which is currently vacant, used for agriculture, and crop production, and contains environmentally protected areas. The proposed development aims to introduce a mix of housing types, with the majority being single-detached homes, while also incorporating medium-density housing for young families and seniors.
The subdivision will replace a block previously designated as parkland with medium-density residential development, responding to community requests for more affordable and diverse housing options. This shift came after public consultation, which included a public open house and meeting. As a result, the plan has been revised to include more medium-density housing, such as townhomes, while still ensuring compatibility with the surrounding low-density residential areas. Despite the changes, the density of the development will remain within the limits set by the North Middlesex official plan.
A key focus of the proposal is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The subdivision will be serviced by municipal infrastructure, and an environmental impact study has been completed to ensure that areas with hazardous conditions or natural heritage features are protected. The development will also avoid environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands, and will incorporate measures to protect the Ausable River, including fencing along its edge to prevent unregulated access.
Council has raised additional concerns about parkland and access to the river, which have been addressed in the draft conditions. These conditions were discussed during consultations with the Conservation Authority, ensuring that the development balances the need for housing with environmental preservation.
While the report did not specify the exact number of affordable housing units, it did acknowledge ongoing discussions about including affordable housing in future phases of the development. This signals the municipality’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing affordability in light of the current housing crisis.
The final recommendation is for the North Middlesex Council to endorse the draft plan and the official plan amendment, allowing the proposal to proceed to Middlesex County for review and approval. This approval would pave the way for further design work, including zoning and subdivision agreements, which will be carried out in the coming months. This development aligns with provincial policies and the North Middlesex official plan.
