The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is planning for future urban growth and development, but there are some challenges and barriers in the way.
The municipality forecasts that some urban centres will need more greenfield land over the next 30 years to accommodate new homes and businesses to accommodate increasing population and employment.
The report showed Blenheim needs 10 acres of residential land, Dresden 40 acres, Chatham 344 acres, and Tilbury 45 acres to accommodate a growing population, while Chatham is short 139 acres of employment land and Dresden 20 acres.
According to the report, Chatham-Kent is expected to grow from 107,100 residents to 122,200 by 2051 with most of the growth in Chatham, while job opportunities are projected to rise from 41,075 to 46,190.
Chatham-Kent council will hear an update from CK Director of Planning Services Ryan Jacques at its meeting on Monday night, noting growth options were considered over the past few months for Blenheim, Chatham, Dresden, Tilbury and Wallaceburg, but they all have a shortage of "designated" residential land over the next 30 years.
Jacques said the municipality has been talking with farmers, developers, and government since January to address the land shortage.
He added currently no growth options are being put forward for Dresden because further study of the flood risk outside of the current urban boundary is required and the potential for a new landfill will impact growth options.
"A boundary expansion is not needed in Wallaceburg to accommodate forecast growth. However, a boundary adjustment is being considered to provide for a diversity of land ownership in the residential land supply," wrote Jacques in his report.
The primary urban centres of Ridgetown and Wheatley have sufficient designated lands for projected residential growth over the next 30 years, according to Jacques.
He said growth options with higher potential will be assessed through Phase 2 in greater depth until September, including reviewing infrastructure, land use compatibility, and other factors to identify the most appropriate and feasible growth area.
Jacques noted Phase 2 of the project will also advance policy directions regarding secondary urban centres and the provision of land for employment uses.
The entire process, including the approval stage, should be complete by the end of November.