There is anger and confusion about a proposed 80-unit townhouse development at Sawmill Creek in Camlachie.

An Ontario numbered company, represented by Golfvest Communities, wants to build the development in two phases where the golf course parking lot now sits on a plot of land that is just under 10 acres.

During a public meeting Monday, neighbours were concerned not only about the size of the development, but about who was actually behind it and how it could be considered when the owner of Sawmill Creek told neighbours he wasn’t behind the plan.

Neighbour Randy Dayman wanted to know who was behind the development – a question which was never directly answered by Brendan Graham, the owner’s representative.

He did assure the people at the virtual public meeting that the current owner was not behind the proposal, however he was supportive of the plan.

“Tonight, the plans are still part of the golf course property. They have not been severed from the golf course lands. This is one piece of property…it is our intention to eventually separate this development parcel from the greater golf course property,” said Graham.

“But in conversation with staff it was determined that an application for drafting a condominium should proceed first to demonstrate the feasibility of developing these lands before they be permitted to be separate off from the rest of the golf course.”

That confused John Nauta, who farms land near the golf course.

“How can an applicant or anybody in Ontario or Canada make an application for a building project on property that they do not own,” he asked adding the owner told him directly he doesn’t want to sever the land.

“We couldn’t have made this application without the approval or the support of the owner,” Campbell said.

Melissa and Chris Kelly were concerned about the size of the development and the number of children it would bring to the growing neighbourhood around Errol Village School.

“My kids can’t head to the park without supervision because this road is so dangerous,” said Kelly.

“Has there been any consideration given to how all these families are going to access the hamlet and amenities? They’re like the ball diamond in the park in the library? Are you prepared to install a lighted crosswalk or other safety features?”

There were also big concerns about the plan because of where the housing would sit.

Several members of the public said the area was part of a “natural waterway” before the owner “illegally rerouted” it,” said the Kelly’s in a letter to council.
During heavy rain, the drain is full; there is no room for stormwater and standing water is a health concern, the couple added.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority also has some concerns about the property.

It submitted a list of tasks which would have to be completed should the development move ahead including removing and replacing bridges on the property to “ensure no backwater flooding issues” in the future.

The authority also wants a sediment control and erosion plan, a revised flood hazard assessment report “with a clear description of the erosion hazard” and a detailed stormwater management plan.

The town is also looking for more information, asking for a traffic impact study to be completed. It also wants a bridge to be constructed to the third phase under the drainage act.

The town added the development would have to hook into the town’s water system and each unit would need its own water meter instead of a private water system.

Members of council also expressed their concerns about the project.
Councillor Mike Vasey pointed out the original housing development at the course is not yet complete with some housing lots still available.

“We had an agreement in place that wasn’t followed and now we’re being expected to do another agreement?” said Vasey

Public Works Director Adam Sobanski says the former development has been sold and council will soon be reviewing a new proposal for 20 units in the original development.

Lambton County officials will be reviewing the plan for the next 14 days. They’ll send out their answer within a month.