It will be at least 2024 before any sod is turned on a new subdivision in Alvinston, if it is approved.

That from Steve and Deb Durham, the Norwich couple working on the first major subdivision in Brooke-Alvinston in decades. The couple were in Alvinston March 16 for a public meeting on the proposal.

The Durhams purchased the land years ago and first planned to build 19 single family homes, 30 semi detached homes and 20 townhouses in the Broadway/Lisgar area.

The proposal now calls for 32 single family homes, 14 semis and two seven-unit townhouses on the 12 acre parcel. Steve Durham said they made the change because most subdivisions have at least 50 per cent single family homes.

About 20 community members at the public meeting also heard there will be a one-acre park in the subdivision part of which will serve as a dry pond for storm run off.

In letters submitted to the county’s planning department, some neighbours voiced concern about what was a farmer’s field being turned into housing. Suzanne Upshall said the housing will alter the character of the place forever by transforming a quiet naturalized pretty spot into a barren, busy thoroughfare – precisely the urbanization and commotion I move to Alvinston to avoid.”

But Durham didn’t believe the 60 homes which would be created would cause that much disruption.

“We talking 60 lots, so we’re not talking about 25,000 people moving in and need to get around. At 60 lots it is a fairly small addition to the municipality,” he tells The Independent.

There was also concern the housing market in Ontario may be sputtering as interest rates and the cost of inflation remain high. One resident worried the subdivision would be laid out with streets and perhaps one or two houses, but the rest would be vacant land. Durham is confident there will be a strong housing market if Brooke-Alvinston council gives the go ahead for the subdivision.

“I think housing is going to be strong enough. Like when this gets passed, if it’s three years, (before homes are being built) housing is going to be strong enough in three years.”

While some residents voiced concern, Deputy Mayor Frank Nemcek says the housing development is welcome since it will bring more people to the community which could spark commercial growth in the downtown.
Council still has to give its final approval of the plan.