May 3, 2016
2239
To the Editor:
RE: "New development plan calls for 450 units on old Hartwick Farm property"
Having only recently become aware of the details of the West Ridge on the Lake development, I have to say I am deeply disappointed by the final plan.
I have expressed my concerns to Kincardine council, although this project now seems to be a done deal. What a shame we nixed the exciting and imaginative development outlined in the plan prepared by Parataxis in 2010 (http://parataxis.ca/West_Ridge_on_The_Lake.html), in favour of this dull and unimaginative urban sprawl of 30- to 45-foot lots.
The approved final plan is more suited to Mississauga and the 905 region than Kincardine. Somehow, the town appears to have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on this one.
Paul van de Bospoort
Kincardine
Below is the letter sent to Kincardine council by van de Bospoort:
I would like to comment on the West Ridge on the Lake subdivision plan as presented in the minutes of the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting Feb. 10, 2016. I’m guessing that this is probably the largest subdivision plan the municipality has ever seen.
Like many local residents, I’ve been aware that there was a new subdivision proposed on the west side of Queen Street, north of the hospital, but I had never come across details of what was proposed until recently.
Looking at the subdivision plan included in the PAC meeting minutes, I am very surprised to see how small the lots are. If I am reading the plan correctly, it appears that for the most part, the lots vary in width from 10-15 metres (about 30-45 feet). While this size lot is now common in the urban sprawl of the 905 region, it is, in my opinion, completely out of keeping with what we are used to in Kincardine where lots of 80-100 feet wide (and up) have always been the norm, e.g. in the current Stone Haven development and many earlier developments.
What is much more disappointing, however, is the fact that Kincardine missed the opportunity to see a truly imaginative and world class development proceed, as described in the Parataxis plan submitted several years ago http://parataxis.ca/West_Ridge_on_The_Lake.html, in 2010.
How on earth did we go from this imaginative and exciting proposal, with well-placed and extensive green spaces and provision of multiple types of residence, including assisted seniors (see below)
To this dull and unimaginative “905” urban sprawl? (see below)
The 2010 proposal would have:
None of which can be said of the current plan.
It seems to me that council has managed, after considerable and extensive effort, to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
What a great shame for our community.
Paul van de Bospoort
Kincardine
What might have been:
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