While newly proposed apartment building might not fit ‘affordable housing’ need, there is still a need for any rental housing in town

To the Editor:

One of the key ingredients in politics is having the opportunity to consider controversial subjects from multiple perspectives With that in mind, here is a conversation starter on a current hot topic: During last week’s Council meeting we had a full house as we received information on proposed 8 story residential buildings near RestAcres. We heard from lots of people who told their story, similar to this: “When we bought our house, we asked the builder what other types of buildings would be developed in our neighbourhood, and the answer we received is not consistent with what we are seeing in the current Zoning amendment applications” (More details on the meeting are available in the local newspapers and you can watch the whole meeting on the County's YouTube channel)

I completely understand these frustrations. When people tell me they moved here because they wanted to live in a small town I get it That’s part of the reason why many of us chose to stay in our home town. The idea of driving into Paris and seeing a skyline with multiple 8 story apartment buildings does not fit in with our definition of Small Town Charm on page 8

At the same time, I am conscious that our community has a great need for housing products that are more in the direction of high density We absolutely need rental apartments and lots of them. Ask anyone over the age of 20, who is getting started in their adult lives, or Seniors who want to downsize or families who need to rebuild after a marriage break up rental units are needed.

We have a huge unmet demand for rental housing products and with the cost of land, currently, any rental properties are likely going to be built up, not out.

This is the largest apartment building (Telfer Place tower) in Paris to date. Losani’s application to build an eight-story complex on Mile Hill is under public scrutiny right now.

And while I have no illusions that the proposed buildings would fit the definition of Affordable Housing that we REALLY NEED, there is still a need forANY rental housing products. I would also like to respectfully point out that Ward 2 has the first (and so far, the only) ten story building in this community. I live within 750 metres of it. It was built when I was 12 and I’m sure people at the time spoke against it, but it has served this community well and has not caused a negative effect on the neighbourhood or on the Town. (Noting, however, that the Seniors enjoying their homes at Telfer Place put less pressure on parking, traffic, and parkland compared to a typical apartment building).

With all that said, building complete communities is a complex issue, and we have to look closely at how our draft Official Plan and our Zoning decisions can contribute to the needs of our growing community, and how issues related to parking, traffic, parkland and even daycare/school capacity all have to be factored into neighbourhood planning.

Stay tuned as Council dives into this subject You are welcome to share this post to others in our community who may be interested.

Ward 2 Paris Councillor

Steve Howes

County of Brant celebrates new space in downtown St. George

The County of Brant is pleased to announce that a new Verdin Clock has been installed in downtown St. George at 2 Beverly Street. The installation of the clock was led by Pinevest Homes, which includes St George residents Bob Stewart and Brad Wilson “Thank you to our community partners for their generous donations and support, as well as to our talented staff for creating a beautiful public space that will be enjoyed by many residents and visitors,” said Mayor David Bailey. “This site will be a focal point for events such as St

George Apple Fest and a key landmark for years to come.”

At the May 28, 2024, County of Brant Council Meeting, Council voted in favour of the installation of the new clock In addition to Pinevest Homes, two other generous donors contributed to the clock: Edward Speelziek of Brant Star Homes and the St. George Lions Club.

“We are incredibly pleased to support a project that will enhance the landscape of downtown St. George,” said Bob Stewart, Partner at Pinevest Homes. “We have seen the positive attention that the clock receives in downtown Paris, and we look forward to creating a similar centerpiece in the St. George community.”

Those involved have been working with County of Brant Parks and Forestry staff to ensure that the project aligns with the current work being done at the location The space, located at the corner of Beverly Street and Main Street, was launched with a redesigned parking lot and garden beds, completed by County of Brant Operations and Community Services staff. The St. George Garden Club has also contributed to the project. County staff are in the process of procuring public art, which will be installed along the Beverly Street frontage