Cathy Fox
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – Shawville’s council meeting on March 11 was well attended by residents questioning the “acceptance of a housing project in the urban perimeter of Shawville,” as described on the agenda.
John-Dale Rd housing project
The housing project in question is the proposed John-Dale Rd development of four new apartment buildings by Les Maisons PAJ. Public consultations were held on the proposal on February 3 and March 3. Residents have expressed concerns surrounding safety, population growth, and aesthetics.
Mayoral hopeful Linda Davis asked whether alternative locations were properly explored given the condition imposed by Maisons PAJ requiring the land seller provide infrastructure such as sewer, water and roadways. She also questioned the “affordability” of the $1,400 a month rent, which Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says must be less than 30% of the area’s average estimated income to be considered affordable.
The funding guidelines for affordable housing under CMHC’s New Construction–Community Housing (AHF) program, which the developers have applied for, requires 30%, or one in three units, to be considered “affordable.” Reduced-rate one-bedroom units will be priced at $900 a month, compared to $1,050 for other one-bedrooms, $1,250 for two bedrooms, and $1,500 for three. Eco building standards are expected to reduce the average price of utilities by 40% compared to similar, older units.
AHF requires one in five units to be accessible, and the builders confirmed there will be one ground-level, one-bedroom unit in each building that satisfies accessibility standards. However, they won’t be wheelchair adapted unless a prearranged, long-term lease commitment is made with the tenant.
Other attendees expressed concerns about increased population creating infrastructure safety issues and overcrowding the already limited parks, as well as the buildings’ aesthetics not matching the charm of Shawville’s brick houses.
Some residents said they were happy to have more housing options in a limited market and that a population increase will positively impact businesses and provide additional tax revenue to fund public services, roads and parks.
Rick Valin asked whether a referendum could be held given that an informal door-to-door survey of his immediate neighbours found all were opposed to the project except one. Mayor Bill McCleary said a referendum required a vote at the previous meeting to set aside funding and allow a nine-month processing delay.
Council unanimously approved the zoning change to move the project ahead and the change will now be presented to the MRC for approval.
Arena costs
Rink maintenance costs were discussed. Shawville carries the bulk of the financial burden, including the $25,000 annual lease (from the Pontiac Agricultural Society), in addition to paying the utilities, insurance and rink upkeep. Zamboni breakdowns are common, so council hopes that nearby municipalities like Clarendon, Bristol and Pontiac will contribute given that they use the arena the most according to recent enrollment figures. Councillor Richard Armitage affirmed arena costs have risen from $200,000 to over $300,000 annually, accounting for over 85% of Shawville’s total recreation budget.