A proposed commercial development near Beaverton cleared another hurdle Monday (May 17) as township council approved a zoning bylaw amendment for the property.

Initially proposed back in 2019, the commercial development will likely be a blend of restaurants and retail outlets, with some companies having expressed an interest already.

“We’ve got some very interested parties for the property,” said Frank Mazzotta, president of Armour Heights Developments.

“It’s going to be a beautiful site – a catalyst in the area.”

Township Planner Debbie Vandenakker noted that residents have raised few concerns about the proposal thus far.

“There’s been questions and curiosity – mostly people are excited,” she told members of council.

While the total size of the property is 57 hectares, only 10 hectares have been slated for development at this time.

“The applicant is proposing to develop up to 6,650 square metres of retail floor space, which would be comprised of five separate buildings. It is anticipated that these buildings will accommodate large-format retail stores and restaurants. These buildings will be constructed on the western portion of the subject lands, immediately north of the Ultramar,” reads the report.

“Beaver Avenue, which connects to Highway 12 at a signalized intersection, will be extended (as a private driveway until such time as the other applicant lands are developed) immediately west and north to provide vehicular access to the site. The proposed commercial retail buildings will be served by 485 parking spaces.”

The report notes that the development will be serviced with private septic and water systems on a “temporary basis” until municipal sewer and water are extended to the site.

A dozen studies and reports were submitted alongside the application for the zoning bylaw amendment, including a geotechnical investigation, a water supply report, a sewage servicing study, a traffic impact study, archaeological assessments, an environmental impact statement and environmental assessment reports.

“The subject lands contain some wooded areas and wetlands in the vicinity of White’s Creek in the northern portion of the site. The proposal will include some development within these features,” the report reads.

“However, an ecological offsetting plan has been provided by the applicant.”

The next stage in the process is the development of a site plan agreement with the Township.