November 9, 2022 7:33 am
Walkerton is growing.
In a statement released Tuesday, the City of Brockton announced it had received approval from the province to rezone the East Ridge Business Park, allowing 500 new homes to be built.
Brockton applied for a special ministerial zoning order (MZO) earlier this year to convert five vacant lots for residential use.
According to the statement, the plan will include townhouses, apartments, residential care facilities and a proposed hospice facility.
The lands were purchased from a local farm family.
“I’m delighted to see the MZO approved and appreciate the provincial government’s attention to this matter, which will help increase our housing stock and ultimately increase the amount of more affordable housing here,” said Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody said. “This is great news for the entire community and something our developers, employers, young families and seniors have long wanted. We are committed to responsible growth.”
The municipality began preparing for the MZO nearly a year ago, and without the process, officials said it could have taken years to redistrict multiple parcels of land and expand Walkerton’s city boundaries.
Brockton will spend $6 million to provide the area with roads, water and sewers, hydro, natural gas and high-speed internet.
All plots have been sold or conditionally sold.