Wilmot council to consider MZO for sizable ‘village’ development
Posted Jan 2, 2022 07:10:00 PM.
The Township of Wilmot could soon be home to a sizable mixed-use development, as township council is set to discuss — and potentially support — a developer request for a Minister's Zoning Order (MZO) for a former farm property in the Waterloo Street and Nafziger Road area.
That support could help to expedite a “Wilmot Village” project that boasts inclusion of a minimum of 1,200 residential units, as well as space for commercial buildings, employment spaces, parks and trails for active transportation and an eventual transit hub to be implemented in future planning.
According to the staff report prepared for council, the development would effectively create a third “integrated” urban community in Wilmot alongside New Hamburg and Baden. Staff have indicated that the proposal provided to the township aligns with their official plan, supporting potential for “long term community quality of life” while providing a wide range of housing forms.
Residential units in the plans for the development are said to include 150 senior's apartments, 200 rental apartments and 150 condominium apartments, as well as condominium units, street fronting town homes, family dwellings and more. Plans for those residential units also include affordable housing spaces.
In that same report, township staff have noted the “significant attention” drawn to the use of MZOs in recent years, noting that the planning tool has been cast in a “negative light” as they allow developments to circumvent traditional planning processes. Noting that council support for the MZO isn't technically required by the ministry, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has asked for an “indication of support or opposition” from councils prior to making any decision on whether to grant the “critical tool.”
As stated in the report, the council's decision to support the proposal for an MZO doesn't necessarily mean the MZO will approve the request.
Plans for the development also include a “Agri-Hub,” described as a place for community gardens and farmers markets to provide local, affordable food options.
Wilmot councillors will discuss the staff report and request for support at a meeting of Wilmot special council on Tuesday, while staff have also recommended that township council set a date of Jan. 10 for an education session on MZOs.
