Developers are proposing a new 40-unit condominium project in Cardiff aimed at independent living seniors, at 2778 Monck Rd. using municipal property and offices.
Teska Development Corporation presented to Highlands East council April 13. Its plans includes two two-story buildings, each containing 20 units, utilizing wood-framing. The development would use municipal land, with the old township office used as a community centre but the library and post office on the property kept as is.
Corporate chairman Stephen Tunks said the project is designed to be affordable for the area – about $900 per month for a single-bedroom and $1,100 for a two-bedroom suite.
“We’ve kept the project costs really low by having a fairly simple design,” Tunks said. “It’s an attractive project, but we’ve done everything we can to design it to keep the costs down.”
It would include 16 two-bedroom units and 24 one-bedroom units. Tunks said the buildings would be fully wheelchair accessible. The rents would be all-inclusive except for satellite TV and internet, which the condominium would offer. Tunks sought to start working with the municipality to purchase the land and progress building permits.
“We’ve done an awful lot of consultation,” Tunks said. “We’ve done an awful lot of work to get to this point.” Cardiff-area
Coun. Cam McKenzie said housing is needed in the community.
“We’re looking for additional housing,” McKenzie said. “Affordable additional housing.”
But he added concerns about whether there is enough sewer capacity. He also said the services on the property, including the post office, food bank and library, need to be protected.
Tunks said they would be kept available. He also said the development could maintain the $1 annual lease for the library, which is currently paid to Highlands East.
On sewage, Tunks said they are willing to pay for any expansion needed, though it would play into land purchase negotiations.
“It’s doable, it’s just a question of what does it cost,” Tunks said. “It’s the first and primary concern we have moving forward.”
McKenzie said he has heard from constituents worried about the buildings being used for short-term rentals. Tunks replied the municipality could likely make it a building permit condition that short-term rentals are forbidden.
Other parts of the development include parking, picnic areas, an enclosed dog run and a solar power generation station. Tunks said they want to progress quickly.
Construction would take about 8.5 months. He said occupancy is possible in Spring 2022 but acknowledged COVID-19 meant it would likely take longer.
“With the circumstances, we’re just going to have to work with what we have,” Tunks said.
He further said he would like to have a public meeting to answer questions when health restrictions allow for it.
Council voted to receive the delegation as information.
Deputy mayor Cec Ryall expressed appreciation for the proposal.
“The fact that you are taking the time and effort to look at us and invest in our municipality, thank you for that,” Ryall said.
More information is available at teskadevelopment.com/Cardiff.
