Lambton Shores' mayor says he's excited for a new senior living development to set up roots in Forest.
"I think it's a great opportunity to have more senior-type developments in the Forest area. We do have some housing issues that we need to be addressing and this is more of an affordable seniors housing [option]," said Mayor Doug Cook. "The company that's doing the work ... they're really experienced at doing these types of housing units and we have all the confidence in the world that what they're doing is going to be great."
As specified on its website, Gold Leaf Properties specializes in retirement living and has similar developments located in Lambton and Middlesex counties.
Vehicle access to the townhouses is proposed at the south intersection of Argyle and Clyde streets, and an internal private road would provide access to individual driveways and garages.
Council had previously approved a zoning bylaw amendment during a January 16 meeting. The main portion of the property was zoned as residential while a wooded area, adjacent to the Hickory Creek ravine, was zoned Environmental Protection – Hazard.
The developable portion of the lot (where the townhouses would be built) has been vacant since the 1970s.
As part of the agreement, the municipality does have the option to install a future walking trail to provide a connection to the Forest Trail old railway line from Argyle Street. However, proposed landscaping would provide some privacy for residents.
Cindy Read of Gold Leaf Properties said they hope to begin the building process at some point this year but they'll have a better idea of a projected timeline in the spring.