Another development planned

By DENIS LANGLOIS
Sun Times staff

The landscape of Owen Sound’s main eastern gateway could dramatically change within the next few years.
Local businessman Peter Van Dolder is the latest developer to submit plans to city hall to create a large-scale commercial development near Owen Sound’s eastern boundary.
Two other companies are also securing approvals for multi-store shopping complexes east of The Home Depot on 16th St. E.
“My vision is to create a business park for small businesses on the east side of Owen Sound,” Van Dolder said Tuesday in an interview.
On behalf of his company Andpet Realty Ltd., Van Dolder has applied for draft plan of subdivision approval to permit a 15-lot industrial subdivision on 14.88 hectares of land that includes the Van Dolder’s Home Team Custom Exteriors store.
Parcels of land, measuring .6 to 1.2 hectares apiece, will be subdivided to create the business park, Van Dolder said, and individual sewer and water connections will be put in place. He said he plans to sell the new lots to companies interested in building a store.

Council approves development fees

By DENIS LANGLOIS
Sun Times staff

Builder Barry Kruisselbrink says Owen Sound is sending the wrong message to developers by charging any development fees, even though council approved much lower charges Thursday than recommended in a consultant’s report.
“I think it makes it more difficult for people to build in Owen Sound,” the Barry’s Construction owner said in an interview. “I think council is sending the wrong signal to developers.”
After a lengthy debate Thursday afternoon, council voted 6-3 to approve reduced development fees and gradually increase the charges over a five-year period.
The top fee — charged in 2014 — for residential, multi-family and apartment developments will be 80% of the maximum recommended for 2010 by Meridian Planning Consultants Inc.

Development charge vote tomorrow

Three prominent local builders told city council Monday that it must scrap development fees in Owen Sound to encourage growth and create a competitive building market.
“I’ve lived here for more than 30 years and that doggoned population sign hasn’t changed and that isn’t good,” said Peter Van Dolder.
Developers pay up to $15,000 per home in fees before putting a shovel in the ground, when factoring in Owen Sound and Grey County development charges, building permit fees and hookup costs, he said.