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Adj–Tos gives two readings to Employment Corridor Bylaw

April 11, 2013   ·   0 Comments

Adjala-Tosorontio council gave two readings last Tuesday to the bylaw which will lead to the creation of a Employment Corridor to the west of New Tecumseth along Highway 89.

The reading of the bylaw followed a public meeting at the council meeting which saw some area residents concerned about the impact of the bylaw on their existing properties.

Several residents were concerned about the possibility of higher municipal taxes on their residential properties in the corridor.

Other residents said that the corridor might provide additional jobs and reduce the need to commute to the south for employment.

“Maybe it will lead to fewer vehicles going to Toronto,” said Robert Devos.

Adjala-Tosorontio council deferred passing the bylaw until a future meeting until it gauges the response from New Tecumseth and the County of Simcoe.

Adjala-Tosorontio and New Tecumseth have both hired consultants whose analysis of the impact of the Adjala-Tosorontio employment corridor on existing commercial areas in New Tecumseth differ substantially.

Adjala-Tosorontio’s consultant Urban Metrics argues that the area would likely end with a number of public uses such as public worship or day car centres which are not exclusive to downtown use.

Many of the other projected commercial uses such as car dealerships, garages or other dry industrial uses avoid downtown locations or like offices can be found in a variety of locations.

“The ability to offer a variety of locational options for these types of uses benefits the overall economic development for the area. “New Tecumseth has maintained that the development of hundreds of thousands of square feet in Adjala-Tosorontio would have to a negative effect on the existing commercial centre in Alliston. Simcoe County has also raised some issues about the proposal in light of the new County Official Plan and its emphasis on development within urban nodes in the county.

By Richard Blanchard

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