AVHC SUPPORTS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN THE VILLAGE CORE
Ancaster Village Heritage Community has spent an incredible amount of time and money fighting the two big box developments proposed for the Ancaster Villlage Core. An 8 storey proposal for the corner of Wilson St East and Academy, and a 7 storey proposal for the corner of Wilson Street East and Rousseaux. AVHC finds it remarkable after a process that started in 2021 and ended in denials both developers file EXACTLY the same plan and start over again. Developments that cost us Brandon House and have Marr Phlippo House under threat. It is not too much to say that approval of these developments will mean the end of the heritage core of Ancaster.
Is AVHC anti-development? Absolutely not. We support positive development. Proposals that respect the Ancaster Wilson Street Secondary Plan. Developments that work to follow the design guidelines in that Plan. Developments of a size that respect the wastewater system is smaller than today’s requirements and are near capacity. Developments that are of a size already strained traffic is not overwhelmed. Developments that only need minor variances from the City to fit the land.
This is 223 Wilson Street East. It is a Valery Properties development that has been approved. It is a light commercial use and respects the Ancaster Wilson Street Secondary Plan. The owner is ready to build and is seeking tenants. The design will fit the Villager Core well. What a classy place for an office!
AVHC is asked why we did not oppose demolition of the existing home. The bottom line is it is an old house, but it has been renovated heavily and there is little heritage left.
AVHC sees 223 Wilson Street East as a good example of positive development.
The kind of development every community needs to renew itself and grow.