Stroud Townhouse Development Receives Green Light After Innisfil Council Approval
The MovingSimcoe.com team with RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty Brokerage is keeping a close eye on local developments, especially when it comes to community growth in Innisfil. One significant project that recently received approval is the townhouse development proposal at 7958 Yonge St. in Stroud, which has now been granted the go-ahead by Innisfil Council.
Key Details of the Development
The property, which spans approximately five hectares near the intersection of Yonge and Victoria streets in Stroud, will feature a mix of housing types. The development plan, which aligns with the town’s official plan (OP), includes 33 single-detached homes, 27 conventional townhouses, and 18 back-to-back townhouses, resulting in a density of 27 units per hectare.
Council’s Concerns and Compromises
One of the primary concerns raised by council members was the lack of parkland in the proposal. Given the project’s density, the council sought revisions to increase amenity space. In response, the developers proposed using two snow-storage blocks as open spaces during the warmer months. However, due to existing municipal and provincial regulations, as well as the town’s OP, adding more parkland would have reduced the project’s density below the required 25-30 units per hectare. 
The council also reviewed issues related to drainage, retaining walls, and building height. To address these, two retaining walls will be constructed, and the site will be graded to ensure proper drainage into the stormwater management system along Yonge Street, minimizing the impact on neighbouring residential properties. Additionally, the proposed building height, slightly taller than the existing maximum, was deemed appropriate by the staff, as it aligns with the community’s low-rise character.
Residents’ Concerns and Council’s Decision
The development has been a contentious topic among Stroud residents, many of whom expressed their concerns during a public meeting in November 2023. The primary worry was how the new project would blend with the existing neighbourhood. Councillor Kevin Eisses echoed these concerns, but also acknowledged the constraints placed on the town by provincial and county policies.
Despite the pushback from residents, Mayor Lynn Dollin and other council members recognized that outright denial of the proposal could lead to a more unfavourable outcome. A rejection would likely result in an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, which could impose even higher density levels on the property, stripping the council of its influence over the development. 
Looking Ahead
Development on the 7958 Yonge St. property is not expected to commence until later in the decade. While the decision may not have satisfied everyone, it allows the Innisfil Council to maintain some level of control over how the project unfolds, ensuring that the community’s best interests are considered.
The MovingSimcoe.com team will continue to monitor this and other developments in the area, as we are committed to keeping our clients informed about changes that may impact the Innisfil and Simcoe County communities. If you have any questions or need real estate advice, feel free to reach out to us.
Looking to buy, sell or invest in Stroud in Innisfil? We are the only McGillivray Trusted Agents for Innisfil. Connect with Shannon Murree and the team today by booking your confidential appointment here
Original source Barrie Today
