Council’s planning committee approved draft plans for a proposed subdivision and rezoning for the Konik Estates development in Virgil, headed toward Phase 2.
Couns. Gary Burroughs and Sandra O’Connor were the only ones opposed to the motion during a meeting Tuesday.
The proposed development — located north of Line 2 Road and east of Concession 6 Road — includes 52 single, detached homes along with 102 block townhouses and six street townhomes. The latter would face onto Line 2 Road.
Three residents presented during the meeting, urging the town to consider tree preservation before moving forward with the development.
As of now, one line of trees will be preserved but more than 700 will be taken down.
Resident Catherine Lowry said she appreciated council listening to the concerns of the public and other council members in the past, but thinks other aspects have yet to be considered.
Lowry said when a line of trees is together, it becomes one growing organism and taking down some would “set the (remaining) trees up for failure.”
“Of course, any trees are better than no trees,” she said, suggesting the town consult a professional arborist about the best way to preserve some trees.
Resident Ellen Qualls echoed these concerns, suggesting the item be reconsidered.
“Niagara-on-the-Lake has one of the lowest and unhealthiest tree canopies in the region,” Qualls said.
She said that 40 per cent is considered the minimum optimal amount for tree coverage in the region — and NOTL comes dead last with 25.4 per cent.
“Virgil is even lower at 19.3 per cent,” Qualls said.
Riesling Road resident Ken Burr said he was happy that some of the trees will be kept, but still voiced concerns regarding possible traffic along Niagara Stone Road and Line 2 during construction.
William Heikoop spoke on behalf of Upper Canada Consultants urging council to approve the plans.
He said the organization is required to go through a “specific planning process” that will decide whether some trees can be saved.
“It requires us to balance different objectives,” Heikoop said.
He said that at least 700 of the 810 trees on the lot will definitely have to come down
Coun. Wendy Cheropita spoke in response to the delegations, asking how more trees can be preserved.
Heikoop said the developers are trying to preserve as many trees as possible in the line of trees and any that cannot be saved will be replaced with mature trees.
Burroughs suggested the trees be grouped together rather than placed in a line. Heikoop said that is not something that had been considered but can be looked into.
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa noted the area does not meet the requirements to be designated as a natural woodlot.
“We are looking to protect something that was planted there,” he said.
O’Connor said it meets the requirements to be labelled as a regional woodland, though not a “significant” one.