Prince Edward County’s Planning Advisory Committee has recommended council approve amendments to the county’s official plan, to accommodate a massive 25-year development project at the Base31 property just south of Picton.
The property is 304 hectares and sits within the area of the former CFB Picton airbase. The land currently has several former military buildings, but is mostly vacant land.
The development plan for the area proposes redeveloping the former base into a mixed use community by revitalizing the existing buildings for retail, cultural and art spaces, while constructing residential space in the surrounding open areas. Changes are being proposed to the county’s official plan to line up with plans for blocks, open spaces, and major infrastructure to support the development.
The new development is planned to provide a large amount of new housing and also bring jobs to the community in the commercial space included. Multiple different types of housing are planned in the space, including single family homes and apartments, and many green spaces are included as well. The layout for the community is designed to encourage transit use.
The new development would come at no cost to Prince Edward County, as the developer has agreed to pay up front for any new infrastructure to deliver required services such as water to the area.
Councillor Phil St-Jean said he was glad the proposed development went beyond building just houses, and worked on building a whole community.
“Everything that comes to us is simply developments, it’s houses,” said Councillor St-Jean. “Typically in the past it’s been an awful lot of the very same thing, it’s out of reach for most of our community.”
During debate by councillors, an amendment was made to the planning request, to ensure at least 5% of the housing constructed would be affordable housing. The motion originally suggested the affordable housing component, but did not require it. The amendment passed.
The motion to recommend approval of the Official Plan amendments carried by a vote of ten to three.
