Civil Municipal - June 2024

development, vital in a rapidly changing housing market. “Originally, a subdivision planned for single-family homes has evolved into a denser project with townhomes, increasing the unit count substantially from the initial design,” he shares. This shift reflects the council’s responsiveness to changing market demands and the necessity of making housing accessible and financially viable for developers and residents alike. Expanding on the infrastructural limitations and solutions, the mayor outlines how geographical constraints are creatively navigated. “We focus on areas with existing water and sewer infrastructure for development, primarily in Spencerville and Cardinal. This strategic focus is essential as other areas would require significant investment in wells or septic systems,” he states. Innovative housing types, such as modular homes and secondary suites, are part of the township’s strategy to utilize existing resources efficiently and offer diverse housing options. Grant chimes in and highlights the township’s efforts to explore all avenues for affordable housing.“We’ve discussed tiny homes and secondary units as viable options for expanding our housing stock. These presentations have seen strong community interest and participation,” he reveals. These discussions are part of a broader initiative that includes amendments to zoning laws to allow smaller lot sizes, reducing barriers to development. Mayor Deschamps then highlights a key collaborative venture that epitomizes the region’s communal 38 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06