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Town seeks public comment on massive growth proposed by the province

April 16, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

A proposal by the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is causing significant concern among local residents.

The proposal outlines massive growth for New Tecumseth and the surrounding area. Towns considered include New Tecumseth, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Innisfil, Essa, and Adjala-Tosorontio.

The proposal was released by the province on April 8 and includes large-scale developments in Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham.

In Tottenham, the  plan calls for two developments. One development consists of 153 hectares on the east side of town that would include building 1,874 houses.

The second development would be on the northwest side of town, encompassing 433 hectares and 3,700 homes.

In Beeton, the proposed development would include 251.17 hectares and the building of 10,700 homes.

In Alliston, the proposal calls for a massive development spanning 1,955 hectares, with 12,700 homes built on the south side of the town.

A second proposal for Alliston includes 78 hectares of land with 1,231 homes.

Everett could see the development of 152 hectares, and the hamlet of Baxter could see the development of 98 hectares and 1,470 homes.

The Town of New Tecumseth is aware of the proposal on the province’s Environmental Registry of Ontario, ‘Addressing Growth and Housing Needs in South Simcoe.”

The proposal is currently under review by senior Town staff and is expected to be brought forward for consideration at a future Council meeting.

The province has opened a 30-day public comment period, which will remain open until May. 8.

“Public input is an important part of this process,” said New Tecusmeth Mayor Richard Norcross. “We encourage residents to share their feedback during the province’s commenting period.”

A proposal to build a large development on the northwest side of Tottenham a couple of years ago was met with a strong negative response by local residents. A majority of people in town opposed a major development, citing that there is already too much traffic through town and that they want to keep its small-town vibe.

Residents are encouraged to submit their comments directly to the province by email at southsimcoegrowthstrategy@onatrio.ca.

You can learn more about the proposal by visiting https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0383.

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