Hundreds of new homes planned for Hagersville

The committee decision is subject to final approval at the May 6 council meeting.

On Tuesday, councillors received an update on a Dabirian Homes proposal for 255 units, including 249 apartments and six townhouses. The plan seeks to develop a 1.63-hectare site on Tuscarora Street and a 0.56-hectare Main Street property.

Two six-storey apartment buildings proposed for the west side of Tuscarora would include 88 and 103 apartment units, respectively. A third building planned for Main Street proposes 58 units on five storeys, with a ground floor retail component. The proposal includes 339 total parking spaces.

Joseph Liberatore, representing the applicant Dabirian Homes, said the range of unit sizes is still up for review. It’s also unclear whether units will be offered as freehold condominiums or rentals.

In a presentation to councillors, Haldimand planning and development manager Shannon VanDalen said the application meets provincial policy statement and growth plan guidelines for existing urban areas. It also conforms with the county’s official plan, she noted.

A traffic study provided by the proponent — and reviewed by an outside consultant — determined that traffic can be accommodated through the existing road network.

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• Dec 31, 1969
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“However, it is noted that as Hagersville continues to grow, in the future, moving into 2030 and 2035, that some upgrades will be required,” said VanDalen.

Future upgrades may include intersection improvements at Main and King streets and longer turning lanes.

Ward 4 Coun. Marie Trainer, who represents the area, said she supports the project in principle, if concerns over traffic, stormwater runoff and emergency access are addressed.

“There’s already an issue at Tuscarora and King now,” she said, referencing traffic.

VanDalen noted staff are recommending that a holding provision be applied to the development land to ensure the developer can meet noise and vibration criteria stipulated by CN Rail. The holding provision would also confirm servicing capacity, provide a traffic update and compel the applicant to enter into an external works agreement with the county to address any required network improvements.

Other considerations, like emergency access, will be reviewed through the site plan process, VanDalen added.

While calling the proposal a good example of infill development, Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley said she would also like to see some additional traffic improvements.

“Main Street is plugged on a good day,” she said.

Bentley and Ward 3 Coun. Dan Lawrence noted that Hagersville would benefit from a Highway 6 bypass, like Caledonia.

“I don’t know if we can push the province to say, ‘Hey, we’re happy to build,’ but we need to have some access and we need some funding for that,’” said Bentley.