Brock Township takes step to slow progress of supportive housing development

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

BROCK: The Township of Brock is continuing its battle against a proposed supportive housing development in Beaverton. At a meeting on Monday, November 23rd, councillors voted to pass an interim control bylaw “to prohibit the establishment of Supportive Housing and Modular Construction, including Manufactured Dwelling Houses, for a period of twelve (12) months, in order to allow for the appropriate completion of further research and consultation.” The supportive housing project is being spearheaded by the Region of Durham, and was announced earlier this year as an expedited development project. According to the Region of Durham, the project is expected to include about 50 units, and will be designed as an apartment building for “single, bachelor-style living only.” The facility is also expected to offer “supports and wrap-around services to residents in the north and the greater Durham community.” But the project has been controversial within the Brock community, with several local residents and councillors recently speaking out against it. Ward 2 Councillor Claire Doble stressed the importance of establishing this bylaw measure. “This is really just an important step in better preparing for the future of Brock Township, and making sure we do our due diligence in terms of the planning study, to make sure any supportive housing projects we choose to move forward with are done in a way that is setting them up for success,” she said. Ward 1 Councillor Michael Jubb also supported passing the bylaw. “This is a new reality of life that’s upon us, and it’s very important right now we get this right,” he said. But Ward 5 Councillor Lynn Campbell was concerned about the potential legal ramifications of the bylaw. “It’ll have a real financial impact on our taxpayers if it turns into a legal battle, so I can’t support this,” she stated. Regional Councillor Ted Smith said negotiations between the township and the Region of Durham will continue on this development. Ward 3 Councillor Walter Schummer called this new bylaw “good forward looking planning.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

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