The Town of Huntsville is seeking input from the community through a survey about what it considers “significant views” as it contemplates more dense and higher development proposals within the urban service area.
The survey will be available from October 24 to November 22, 2024.
In the midst of housing challenges, the Town of Huntsville says it is proactively taking steps to implement the Strategic Plan priority of “balanced growth” through a responsible and cautious approach.
“It is incredibly important that Huntsville balances the need for affordable housing and growth with the preservation of our Town’s character, natural landscape and ‘Muskoka feel.’ A key element in strategic planning for growth is to preserve character by maintaining ‘Significant Views’ so that we can consider height and density in appropriate locations. We are seeking public feedback on Huntsville’s Significant Views to assist in creating this type of criteria for future development,” noted Councillor Bob Stone, Chair of the Planning Council, in a release issued by the municipality today.
Planning staff completed a Height & Density Background Review and Directions Report in April 2024 that indicated the need for enhanced planning policy tools. As a next step, the Town says it is seeking public input on “Significant Views” to inform the Height and Density Evaluation Criteria.
“Huntsville faces growing demands for housing, including proposals for development of increasing height and density. We would like the community’s input as we develop Height and Density Evaluation Criteria for these types of proposals, so that we can preserve Huntsville’s character and natural beauty,” said Richard Clark, Manager of Planning at the Town of Huntsville. “What do you think are Huntsville’s most ‘Significant Views’? Public feedback gained through our survey will help determine suitable locations for increased height and/or density.”
According to the release, the survey is the first opportunity for public engagement which will be used to help determine the Height & Density Evaluation Criteria for developed by the Town’s Planning Department. Once drafted, a pubic meeting will be hosted to get further community feedback. The proposed guidelines will then be presented to council.
What is “Height and Density”? Why is it important as the Town grows and develops?
Height and density standards are outlined within the Community Planning Permit Bylaw (CPPBL). These standards come from the height and density policies associated with residential and mixed-use development proposals outlined in the Town’s Official Plan.
Currently, in the CPPBL, the maximum permitted height for multiple dwellings (apartment buildings) is 11m and the maximum permitted density is 60 units per hectare. The Community Planning Permit Bylaw also defines how height is to be measured. “Currently, if an application is proposed with height or density that is over and above the CPPBL provisions, staff and council are required to evaluate the request using general criteria, including requirements for Community Benefits. A revised, more detailed set of criteria and guidelines will assist by helping all to understand where additional height and density is appropriate, but also where it’s not. This will also be a tool to help developers prepare proposals that will minimize impacts, achieve community benefits, and limit review times to address current housing needs,” states the release.
Again, the community survey is available HERE.
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Judy smith says
Worried about density / height of buildings, why has there not been a building (Apartment) put on the empire lot. The property is there, it’s an eyesore, right in the center of town. Existing historic use… kind of obvious to the normal citizen of Huntsville.