Glen Abbey, Saw-Whet plans still before OMB by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 7 | Friday, September 30, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Residents eager to learn the fate of Glen Abbey and Saw-Whet golf courses will have to wait considerably longer before receiving any kind of news of resolution. The two properties drew public interest recently after developers announced plans to build a considerable number of residences on them. In an article in the Town's Let's Talk Oakville magazine, Ward 4 Councillors Allan Elgar and Roger Lapworth discussed the two projects. An Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing concerning the Saw-Whet Golf Course at 1401 Bronte Rd., got underway in October 2015. Bronte Green Corporation has proposed the development of 760 residences on the 55-hectare property, including 520 single-detached homes, 104 back-to-back dwellings, 125 townhouses and 11 single-detached residential condominiums. Bronte Green's development application went before the Town of Oakville in March 2014 and Bronte Green appealed the matter to the OMB in October 2014, citing the Town's failure to deliver a timely decision. "Your elected council voted to fight the development proposal on the grounds that it is `premature and not in the public interest.' Your mayor has pledged to save all of the Merton Lands of which Saw-whet is part," stated Elgar in the Let's Talk Oakville article. "Given that Oakville has met its provinciallymandated growth numbers to 2031, and that development of Saw-Whet is not part of Oakville's current Official Plan, I feel that should be the end of the story, but it is not, because, in my opinion, the OMB often provides a convenient back door for developers to achieve their goals." So far the hearing has made little headway with Elgar noting that five weeks after the OMB hearing got underway last October the board had heard about two-thirds of the evidence brought forward by Bronte Green and no evidence from public agencies, including the Town. Further hearings scheduled for June were largely cancelled to allow the involved parties to work together to try to scope some matters with the goal of reducing the amount of hearing time that may be required. The parties' experts are currently working together to determine what additional information/work might be required to address technical concerns with respect to the applications. The hearing is expected to resume on Monday, Nov. 7. Glen Abbey Golf Course is in a similar limbo. On Oct. 23, 2015, the Town's Planning Services Department received a request for a pre-consultation on a potential development application on Glen Abbey Golf Course from owner ClubLink. The Glen Abbey Concept Master Plan submitted to the Town called for the development of 3,000-3,200 residential units as well as office and retail development opportunities. In February, Oakville council voted unanimously to pass an interim control bylaw restricting development on the site until the Town completes a review of land use planning policies concerning that property. The studies now underway with regard to this application include: · An Urban Structure Review · A Land Use Economic and Impact Analysis · A Cultural Heritage Landscapes Assessment In March, Elgar noted, ClubLink appealed the Town's interim control bylaw to the OMB and a 10-day hearing is scheduled to begin on Jan. 30, 2017. Despite the appeal, ClubLink has yet to file an actual development application with the Town. Town council will be meeting with staff and outside counsel to determine if a oneyear extension of the interim control bylaw is necessary. Once the previously mentioned studies are complete the Town will determine whether planning instructions need to be issued concerning the Glen Abbey site. GOLD NO TAX Many different artworks to choose froM lease renewal sale * New Patients Are ALWAYS Welcome *on in stock merchandise only. some restrictions apply. to choose froM Many styles and fabrics available Choice of Colours sofa set styles Many CUSTOM elegant selection of fireplace Units dining sets come see why we have been chosen the best in fUrnitUre/accessories! · Evening & Weekend Appointments Available · Female Dentist Available · Same Day Appointments · Same Day Emergency · Walk-in Service · Family & Cosmetic Dentistry · Insurance Billed Directly · Digital X-Rays Call today to book your appointment Dr. Manchanda South oakville Centre (formerly Hopedale Mall) 905.847.2975 905.635.8779 Burlington Mall Classique-Decor.com 627 Lyons Lane, Suite 100 www.doctor4teeth.com www Oakville, ON 905-339-1666