Water connection for Terra Cotta homes `not back door development', says planner

Connecting seven Terra Cotta homes to the Peel water supply will not result in "back door development" says Town Planner Bruce MacLean. At a recent council meeting, Ward 3 Councillor Mike Davis questioned a town report commenting on changes to Halton Region's Official Plan to allow the connections. The seven homeowners, five on 27 Sideroad and two on Winston Churchill Blvd., would connect to the Region of Peel watermain across the road. "This... amendment would not drive any issue of allowing additional development," said MacLean. "It's solely geared to addressing water quality issues from private wells for the seven lots in Terra Cotta."

Halton Region's Health Department supports the residents' request. Terra Cotta representative, Regional Councillor Clark Somerville, took issue with Davis's description of a possible "back door to development". "It's not a back door deal-- to use your term-- to suddenly pave over the hamlet of Terra Cotta. It's providing basic water service to the people who are having problems with their well. They're bearing the cost of it," said Somerville. "The big pipe is not coming to Terra Cotta, it's simply an extension of service to seven homes." "I'm just trying to protect our town," rebutted Davis.