Peterborough city councillors have endorsed reinstating draft plans of subdivision for 4571 Guthrie Drive and 2006 and 2011 McNamara Road in the Coldsprings Planning Area, subject to several conditions, while paving the way for further discussions on regional economic collaboration.
The plans, submitted by AON Inc., originally lapsed in March 2020 and were requested for reinstatement in March 2023 under subsection 51(33.1) of the Planning Act. However, the lapsed plans do not align with the current Official Plan, which designates the area as a Special Study Area requiring a Secondary Land Use Plan to guide future development.
“Council’s endorsement is a significant step, but it is clear that meeting Official Plan requirements is essential,” staff noted in their recommendations.
The proposed reinstated plans include:
- 472 single detached dwellings with a minimum lot width of 12 metres;
- 29 semi-detached or row dwellings; and
- 352 medium-density residential suites, potentially for retirement living.
City staff have been directed to negotiate alternative funding arrangements with the Coldsprings development community to complete a City-led Coldsprings Secondary Plan. This plan will establish an appropriate urban structure, delineate land use boundaries, and provide policies to guide development while maintaining alignment with the Official Plan.
Infrastructure Needs Highlighted
Significant infrastructure improvements will be required to support the proposed subdivisions and the broader Coldsprings area. Staff emphasized that future capital budgets and development charge studies must reflect these needs.
To further address the City’s growth and development goals, Council also directed staff to initiate discussions with the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan about a potential employment venture. This initiative would explore the feasibility of partnerships that leverage City services, in line with the Township’s Official Plan policies, and could include financial collaborations.
Balancing Growth and Compliance
Council’s approval for reinstating the subdivision plans is conditional on amendments to the draft plans, an Official Plan amendment for appropriate land use designations, and the completion of a Secondary Plan for the Coldsprings Special Study Area.
“Until the Secondary Plan is completed, reinstating AON Inc.’s subdivision plans will not fully conform to the City’s Official Plan,” staff reported.
The Secondary Plan will aim to ensure a diverse range of housing types, tenures, and price points, fostering an inclusive community in the growing southeast area of Peterborough.
The Coldsprings Planning Area is located east of the Otonabee River and south of Highway 7/115.
