2,000 new home occupancies in East Gwillimbury, thousands more coming

The first phase of home building in East Gwillimbury is almost wrapped up, but that doesn’t mean more homes aren’t on the way.

Council had a special growth management workshop Feb. 13 and local residents should expect homes, homes and more homes.

The numbers, as always, are big. As of Jan. 31, East Gwillimbury has seen 1,976 home occupancies since the York Durham Sewage System extension came online.

Planning director Nick Pileggi told council that Phase 1 of construction in Queensville and Sharon is nearing full occupancy. In Queensville Phase 1, 386 of 429 homes have occupancy. In Minto Queen’s Landing, 208 homes of 212 have occupancy. In Sharon West, 1,012 homes of 1,232 have occupancy. Holland Landing is well behind with only one occupancy of 401 units. Pileggi said a lot of those occupancies will be on their way later this year.

Phase 2 will have similar numbers to Phase 1, Pileggi said and it will get ramped up to full speed in 2019 and 2020, although the slowing housing market might drag the process out, Pileggi said.

Phase 2 has 2,157 registered homes, with 644 located in Queensville, 239 in Sharon and 1,274 in Holland Landing.

The majority of the registered subdvisions can be serviced by the additional 7,000 units the town gleaned from the YDSS extension. But after that dries up, Pileggi said any future growth will need to be serviced by the Upper York Sewage Solution(UYSS), which presents a challenge. The controversial sewage plant that was originally scheduled for completion in 2018 has been pushed back by the region until 2026 as it still awaits approval for the project from the province.

Any future development of the Green Lane corridor is reliant on servicing from the UYSS, Pileggi said.

The numbers were concerning to some members of council, especially because not all the all the approved subdivisions can be serviced by the town’s 7,000 unit allocation from the YDSS. Councillor Tara Roy-DiClemente pointed out the fact it was the province that demanded East Gwillimbury develop plans to grow to 90,000 people , the same time, won’t approve the necessary infrastructure to allow the town to grow to that number. Others were concerned at the lack of variety of what is actually being built in town.

“We have not done anything for affordable housing and seniors housing,” Councillor Marlene Johnston said.

Earlier this year, York Regional Chairperson Wayne Emmerson spoke out against the lengthy environmental assessment process currently ongoing with UYSS.

“Continued delay in implementing this key infrastructure is creating far-reaching financial impacts to the region and our communities,” Emmerson said. “This project is needed to provide required wastewater services now and through to 2031 while contributing significant environmental benefits.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment said the environmental assessment is still under review and that time has been provided for consultations with the Chippewas of Georgina Island to occur before a decision is made.