ELORA – Council has unanimously supported the construction of a 247-unit subdivision, otherwise known as the Ainley Subdivision, in northeast Elora.
Proposed by James Keating Construction, the approved subdivision is already north of an existing subdivision and will see a total of 117 single homes, 62 townhouse units, and a 58-unit apartment building on a 53-acre lot just west of Gerrie Road.
A heritage home is also located at 6550 Gerrie Rd. and will be surrounded by a buffer of single-story homes to add some privacy for the homeowners and help the area transition to high-density housing.
"The proposed subdivision and associated zoning represent a logical extension of the existing surrounding subdivisions to the west and south ...(and) will provide much needed residential units and the protection of natural heritage features over the long term within the Elora-Salem Urban Centre," said staff in the report.
According to the manager of planning services Mariana Iglesias, one third of the site now has natural heritage protection after residents shared concerns about furthering the urban sprawl in Elora and the development's impact on local wildlife during a public meeting in 2021.
Considering Walser Street will become a major artery for development after it is extended to Gerrie Road, the township is also considering curb bump-outs to slow down drivers and address residents' speeding concerns.
The full report is available here.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
