in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
December 09, 2022
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — On December 6, 2022, The Beaver Valley Development Group (BVDG) and The Planning Partnership (TPP) held the second informal meeting with community members in Kimberley to get public feedback on the development planned for the Talisman Upper and Lower Parcels. Two in-person meetings were held plus a virtual meeting on December 8.
A Community Reference Group was organized by the BVDG as a part of the public engagement process. This group is made up of applicants who have a primary interest in this project and would provide a focused forum for conversation and feedback. The second meeting with the Community Reference Group was held earlier in the afternoon of December 6. Comments from this group will expand the information gathered from the wider public.
At the first public information session in October, community members were presented with information about the approval process and were able to ask questions and comment on what they would like to see in the development.
Boards showing recreational and educational concepts
At the second meeting public information session on December 6, concept boards were set up in Kimberley Hall and members of the BVDG and TPP were in attendance to answer questions. Attendees were asked to write down comments on sheets provided.
Concepts of housing options.
Concept layouts of trails, nature education centre, health and wellness centre, natural playground elements and bird observation areas were also displayed.
The purpose of these meetings is to get public engagement that will help inform the design team on early stage concepts.
Early concept ideas
The environmental office of the Saugeen First Nations will be consulted throughout this process. "It will take 2-3 years with so many moving parts", said Paul Mondell Project Lead, BVDG, commenting on the consultation, design and approval process.
The team is preparing reports, looking at treatment plants and water, seeing what possibilities there are for lands. The team is using up-to-date modelling, using current techniques to update information. The floodplain will be mapped using modern technology.
BVDG is meeting some resistance in the community. Some members have stated that they don't want any development at all, while others are in favour of it.
Some meeting attendees were not aware that the land parcel where Talisman buildings are located is actually not included in the property purchased by BVDG.
Water is a huge concern. Community meeting attendees expressed that some wells have gone dry in the area. Other comments included that there are too many housing units being considered for development and they do not fit in with the area.
Some of the other comments and concerns:
Visit these websites for more information:
The Planning Partnership Website
The Beaver Valley Development Website
Initial Presentation October 6, 2022
Beaver Valley Corridor Visioning August 1, 2021
Beaver Valley Meeting December 8, 2022
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