Exciting things are happening at Base31! Recently named New Business of the Year at the 2024 Quinte Business Achievement Awards, Base31 is moving full speed ahead with its ambitious development plans. The consortium has welcomed three new partners—CaraCo Group, Fieldgate Homes, and Paradise Developments—and is now focused on building a vibrant new community.
First up is Village A, a neighbourhood that will feature 481 new homes, including detached houses and townhouses. It’s designed with walkability in mind, featuring green spaces, bike paths, and laneways that de-emphasize car use. Plans also include a 120-unit apartment building with a mix of rental options, although only 5% will be affordable under CMHC standards.
The 29-hectare site, just south of Macaulay Heights, will include a central park and stormwater pond, all connected by pathways to nearby conservation areas. While the developers are still waiting on a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) for mixed-use zoning, construction on infrastructure is expected to start in early 2025, with homes arriving in 2026.
The best part? Base31 is committed to offering a range of housing options at different price points, aiming to provide housing for everyone. It’s a big step forward for the area, with more to come in the next few years!
For more details, check out this article in the Picton Gazette
158 Scotts Mill Road was featured in Storeys, and they had some very nice things to say. Check it out!
In a surprising turn of events, the council voted twice against the Cold Creek neighbourhood proposal by Port Picton Homes, leaving developer David Cleave with no choice but to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). The denial contradicts recommendations from county planners, who supported the project, which includes plans for 904 energy-efficient homes priced between $375,000 and $450,000.
Cleave expressed disbelief at the council’s decision, emphasizing that it would not only delay the project by at least a year but also incur significant costs, potentially reaching $250,000, as the county will need to hire new planners and redo extensive studies for the appeal. Despite Cleave’s efforts to amend the proposal to address environmental concerns, including enhanced wetland protection and trail connectivity, council members opposing the development did not provide substantive reasons for their votes.
Critics within the council highlighted the land’s agricultural significance and the potential impact on the Cold Creek Watershed as their main concerns. However, the property has been zoned for town development since the 1970s. Mayor Ferguson and other supporters lamented the lost opportunity for affordable housing in the community, especially as many residents struggle to find suitable living conditions.
As the project moves to the OLT, the council’s decision raises questions about its approach to affordable housing and fiscal responsibility, especially given their previous votes on other financial matters. The community awaits the outcome, hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes housing accessibility.
