Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Council got a look into the present and future of housing development in the municipality at its July 15th meeting.
A report to council provided reassurance that the municipality is on track to accommodate growth in the housing sector. “The current development pipeline, supported by the Municipality’s Servicing Master Plan and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, mean the Municipality is in a strong position to respond to the rapidly changing housing market,” states the Planning Department report. The report also notes the impact of recent efforts to boost housing in Ontario. “This includes the increase in housing development that is expected to result from provincial and federal incentive programs including the HST rebate program and the Development Charge Reduction Program,” according to the report. However, it’s noted that the municipality is still awaiting notification about an application to a provincial program that could provide funding for a 50% reduction in development charges over a period of three years.
Looking to the future, the report cites a forecast population of 43,400 people by 2056. That means a total of 9,200 new households from 2021 to 2056 with an average of 262 units each year in that time period.
Current numbers show that Komoka-Kilworth continues to lead the way in housing development. There are currently 433 “shovel ready” units in Komoka-Kilworth. That’s followed by 261 in Ilderton. Ballymote, Coldstream/Poplar Hill and Birr follow with 19, 10, and four units respectively.
In terms of draft approved units, Komoka-Kilworth leads by a wide margin. There are 2,551 units in that part of Middlesex Centre followed by 110 in Ilderton.
Proposed units are a bit more equal in numbers, with Komoka-Kilworth, Ilderton and Arva each coming in around the 900-unit mark.
