Clifford unsure it's services can handle proposed new development

CLIFFORD – Both staff and residents are unsure if the town's current municipal services can handle a new townhouse development proposed for a rural residential area in Clifford.

To be discussed at Tuesday's public meeting, a developer is currently proposing four, four-unit street townhomes on just under an acre of land at 24 Minto St. N. in a new report coming to Minto council next week.

While staff aren't opposed to the idea of the development, the report is recommending a hold be applied to the proposal until municipal services are available for the property.

With new services estimated to cost approximately $650,000, the report also said staff believe it's not in the town's best interest to develop the property at this time as the costs are too high.

Calling the proposal "extreme overbuilding" for a one-acre plot of land, the report also included a letter from a resident who argued that allowing the rezoning would give property owners the advantage to apply pressure on the council for costly upgrades to Queen and Minto Street.

A recommendation will be brought back before council for consideration at a later date.

Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.

Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, GuelphToday.com