Draft plans for a long-awaited housing development on Venetian Boulevard will go to Point Edward council for discussion on Tuesday.
The proposed subdivision on vacant land is located at 1600 Venetian Blvd., across from the Blue Water Bridge Corporate Centre.
The plan proposes 20 semi-detached dwelling lots, one lot for a single detached dwelling, as well as two new roadways for the double-sided cul-de-sac. Space would also be designated for parking, parkland, and a protected area for at-risk species.
Previous applications for the site first went to council in 2021, however, a draft plan submitted in 2022 was deemed incomplete because additional information was required.
Local developer Alan Merrington told Sarnia News Today in 2023 that the planning process started off well but there were challenges in dealing with the Ministry of Environment in order to accommodate Butler's Gartersnakes found on the property.
A draft plan and zoning bylaw amendment was resubmitted in February 2025 and applications were deemed complete in May.
Reports submitted with the application included an archaeological assessment, traffic impact study, noise feasibility study, flood hazard assessments, and a permit under the Endangered Species Act. However, several of the studies need to be updated as they are several years old, as noted in the current draft plan.
The Endangered Species Act Permit, issued in 2024, includes multiple mitigation measures and the creation of a habitat space for the snakes to be relocated to.
A public meeting will be held to discuss the project during the village's council meeting, on July 8 at 5 p.m. Residents are welcome to attend the meeting at the municipal office, located at 135 Kendall St.
The full draft plan can be found on the village's website, in the council agenda.