A proposed Courtice housing development involving 16 semi-detached homes is drawing concerns from residents over trail access, flooding, traffic and potential impacts on the surrounding natural environment.
The development applications concern 43 Darlington Boulevard in Courtice, near Farewell Creek and the Tooley’s Mill trail network.
D.G. Biddle & Associates has submitted applications on behalf of Northglen Land Corporation for a zoning bylaw amendment and draft plan of subdivision. The Municipality of Clarington says the proposal calls for eight blocks of semi-detached homes, creating 16 residential units.
The project has not been approved and remains under municipal review.
Residents Raise Trail and Environmental Concerns
Residents brought their concerns to Clarington during an August 10 statutory public meeting.
Several neighbours said the vacant property is currently used informally to reach the nearby trail system and expressed concern that development could affect that access.
Residents also raised questions about Farewell Creek, existing backyard flooding, additional paved surfaces, traffic, parking and privacy.
Some called on the municipality to explore whether the property could instead play a role in improving public access to the trail network.
Those concerns are part of the public feedback being considered during the planning review and do not represent conclusions reached by municipal staff.
Proposal Includes 16 Homes and Park Space
Clarington says the site covers approximately 0.416 hectares, or 1.03 acres.
Along with the 16 semi-detached units, the proposal includes approximately 1,441 square metres of park space. Proposed pedestrian and vehicle access would connect to Darlington Boulevard.
The municipality says the proposed development conforms to its Official Plan designation for the property, although zoning and subdivision approvals are still required.
Public Trail Access Not Currently Included
According to the information presented at the public meeting, residents have historically crossed the privately owned vacant property to access nearby trails.
The developer’s representative said formal public access across the development site has not been incorporated into the proposal to date.
Any permanent trail connection across privately owned land could require additional arrangements, such as an easement.
That issue is expected to remain part of the discussion as Clarington reviews public comments and technical studies associated with the application.
Courtice Proposal Still Under Review
Clarington emphasizes that development applications presented at statutory public meetings are proposals rather than approved projects.
Municipal planning staff will assess the application, technical material and feedback submitted by residents before bringing a recommendation to council for consideration.
The Courtice housing development will therefore remain under review before any final municipal decision is made.
