Monday, March 8, 2021

Construction!

 For just the past three weeks or so we've been watching the construction begin across the golf course.  They are building a new dead-end single street with houses on each side, reaching almost all the way into and across the north end of the golf course.  The owner has said that he wishes to keep the course running, and doesn't think this will interfere, but after they've re-arranged 3 or 4 holes to fit we're not sure.  It will be a very crowded course at that end for the golfers.  The houses you see are the one-floor bungalows they've already built on the former practice fairway.

It started with stripping off the topsoil and surface subsoil for the road, followed by new gravel brought in so they could avoid a muddy surface to work on.  There are at least three big excavators like this and several dump trucks coming and going.

Then they started the tree removal.  A fair number of big old maples were cut down including two along the road where we drive past.  it's always sad to see this sort of tree removal, though it's somewhat inevitable with new development.

As we drove slowly by the entrance this is the best shot I could get of the new road and all the associated dirt on both sides - again somewhat inevitable.

This shot takes in the new road and the debris fence along the creek valley on the north side.  You can see the creek itself in the lower foreground.  It seems to me that some impact on the creek will be inevitable as construction proceeds.

You may wonder how we feel.  Well, we knew this sort of thing would come eventually when we moved in, so we're not surprised, though we're glad that they've chosen a location on the far side of the course for the first development.  Who knows whether the land immediately behind our house will get developed, but certainly some of our neighbours are firmly against it.

The fact is that the owner of the course faces major constraints in what he can develop due to three creeks and several associated ponds that cross the golf course and the associated protective zoning.  Access for services and road access is also limited.  So for us it's a waiting game, but we're not going to get terribly excited about whatever happens, as long as he follows the rules.

I did submit a detailed letter for the first public meeting on this application, because I do feel it's important to keep all the players, councillors, planners, and the owner himself honest.  I got some positive comments about it being a well written letter, but nothing acknowledging any of the specific points I raised.  I'll keep you informed.  

Meanwhile the big melt has started here.  Early this morning it was =8°C; now it's +8°C (46°F).

14 comments:

  1. I hope it stays far from your area, and with all those obstructions and distractions, it sounds like it's going to be a challenging course!

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  2. I suppose there's nothing you can do about it except keep your eyes on exactly what they are doing and, as you say, keep them honest. Too bad about the old Maples.

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  3. It is hard to see “progress” which destroys nature. I hope it stays away from your area!

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  4. It's so much simpler to remove trees prior to construction than to save as many as possible. That's unfortunate in so many ways, including the fact that substantial trees add to the value of homesites. Road construction is always messy, but a well designed road placed well away from sensitive areas can end up doing minimal damage to natural systems.

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  5. I have an extremely low opinion of developers, so I'd know where I'd stand in that regard.

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  6. That kind of development is always disruptive but at least you are dealing with hopefully responsible, caring, and competent people. We don't have either one of those luxuries here where we are as our forest is being hacked to pieces by a single land owner madman.

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  7. There are all sorts of subdivisions being built in our town, which is kind of at the edge of commuting distance to Ottawa.

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  8. I'm with William... Chances are once the development is finished they'll start planting trees despite having taken out so many. It's such a shame, understandable but still a shame when healthy, mature trees are destroyed.

    Glad to hear it's warming up there again. We've have had several lovely days, but it's snowing today. I know it won't last but it will make the roads messy for awhile.

    Take care, stay well.

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  9. Progress is never pretty! Good that you made your voice heard!

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  10. Hopefully new trees will take their place along the new houses. Always sad to see them cut down if they are still alive and healthy.

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  11. I used to work for a planning organisation. Not a local council. The objections that people send in are astonishing even for things like garden sheds or new windows. Such as: the school shouldn’t be allowed to build more classrooms because it will impact on my garden parties. Well, that’s not a valid reason to complain. I’m sure your thoughts were considered and thoughtful. And I hope the developers plant new trees although that won’t be the same .

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  13. Housing for all the humans is in short supply in our Austin, TX, area. In the 7+ years we have watched open fields and range growing only buildings, houses and apartment complexes. As a farm girl at heart, it is difficult to see land that can grow food turned into concrete, asphalt and rooftops.

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  14. I hear you. Inevitable. I hope they respect the creeks. I think the dude might build across the road from us. We were hoping not. The critters use it all the time. Good luck.

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