Dysart et al council has supported a draft plan from the Campbell family, owners of Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC in Haliburton, to create five new commercial lots on just over seven acres of land between Mallard Road and County Road 21.
Addressing council March 25, Dysart planner Kris Orsan said the proposal features lots between one and two acres, totalling 7.4 acres, and would be serviced by a private road currently made up of driveways accessing the property from Mallard Road and CR21 by Todd’s Independent Grocer.
The property is zoned highway commercial, which Orsan said supports things like restaurants, banks and clinics.
“The property is surrounded by a mix of industrial, commercial and residential uses. The proposed development aligns with the character of the surrounding area and serves as a suitable transition between the industrial park to the north and the residential areas to the south and west.
“Its design and scale will… support economic growth and community integration. The development will also enhance the overall functionality of the area by providing a buffer between differing uses, promoting a cohesive and wellplanned urban environment,” Orsan wrote in his report.
He noted the application was prepared by Bishop Geyer Surveying and included a draft plan of subdivision, functional servicing report, stormwater management and construction mitigation plans, hydrogeological service study, and environmental impact study. All reports were peer-reviewed by Michalski Nielsen Associates on behalf of the township in June 2024.
While the hydrogeological servicing study confirmed there are enough groundwater resources to adequately meet the needs of the development, Orsan said the municipality will require proof of potable water at the site. He said they may also mandate a more thorough examination to ensure any development won’t impact water quality or access for neighbouring properties.
Haliburton County mapping identified four wetlands in the vicinity, with two located within 120 metres of the subject property, though Orsan noted none are recognized as provincially significant. He added, “the development is not anticipated to have a negative impact to the features.”
The environmental impact study identified potential habitats for three endangered bat and bird species. Orsan said the owners will be responsible for complying with provincial and federal environmental regulations, while noting the report recommends vegetation clearing be done between May 1 and Sept. 30 to prevent harm to animals using trees for roosting.
Next steps
Orsan said the project will now go to the County for draft plan of subdivision and condominium – there’s no residential aspect, with the latter covering an application to create a recognized private road. Pending County approval, it will come back to Dysart to develop a subdivision agreement.
Tony Usher, representing the Campbells, said this plan has been in the works for several years. He noted the 7.4 acre parcel was severed from the Curry Motors property prior to 2019, which is when he was retained.
Usher said the proposal includes a two per cent allocation of land to the township for a park, or cash payment of two per cent of the land’s value pre-development.
There was some discussion among council over the need to install a walking path – as requested by the former Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge district health unit (HKPR). Some members felt that was unnecessary given no other business in the vicinity has a footpath.
Clerk Mallory Bishop recommended council mandate footpaths for new businesses on that side of town.
“The intent is to develop out into that area. Pathways will be needed for walking. Council has bought land out in that area… this is something to consider for the future of this town,” Bishop said. “Pedestrians will be able to navigate the area better with a designated footpath, which is important… especially if something like a clinic were to go in.”
Usher said the Campbells are happy to include walking paths in their proposal.
In a follow-up with The Highlander, Usher said, if approved, it will likely be several months before the lots are severed and development can proceed. He noted the Campbells may retain one lot but intend to sell the rest. There are no immediate plans for how or when they will be developed.
The Campbells declined an interview.
