Is Windsor becoming a 'small Toronto'? Some Windsorites think so — over a townhouse plan
CBC
Ian McGuire's south Windsor property backs onto a wooded area where an 86-unit townhouse development is proposed.
He's lived there for roughly 25 years and says he never would've moved there had he known such a big development would eventually be in the works.
McGuire says the original developer said single family homes would be erected at some point, which he was OK with — but not 12, three-storey structures overlooking the back of his house.
"We're looking at Windsor as a new, small Toronto, and everybody's trying to put up the biggest amount of homes in the smallest amount of area," he said.
And his stance isn't rooted in NIMBYism, he says. It covers all of south Windsor — because of its "population density" — and the city as a whole, according to McGuire.
"If builders are really wanting to help in low income properties … to revitalize other areas … then I think they should maybe look at trying to get those types of properties built instead of just townhomes."
The two parcels of land being considered are 670 and 690 North Talbot Road.
McGuire is speaking out about the development plans on behalf of an online neighbourhood group known as the Northwood Lakes Neighbours — representing a community in south Windsor.
"The face of Windsor is changing, and it's all due to developments."
While the company behind the proposal says the project would help create new housing stock at a time when it's needed, the group's concerns cover things like sewer capacity, traffic congestion, noise disturbances and green space preservation. The proposal also includes a new thoroughfare.
"I'm sorry, but Windsor is not Toronto. Do the right thing and keep to the planned subdivisions and not change it."
McGuire says Windsor has been known throughout the province as an affordable bedroom community that's prided itself on single family residences.
"We have backyards. We have communities that are quiet for kids to play in this neighbourhood. It was excellent when my two children were growing up. I would be afraid to have them play in one of the parks directly beside where they're putting in these townhouses and a through street … it's changing for the worse."
He says developers should focus their efforts on rural parts of the area — instead of filling up space in the city.
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