There have been several local articles about this story. I've been following it. We don't live in the town (pop. 6469, in 2021), we live in a different rural township, BTW. The golf club is a small, very old course. I spent hours on the golf course yesterday <= this was 2014 when I took photos of the golf tournament fundraiser. I did this for 2013, as well: Happy times on the golf course! They state that they are the oldest permanent golf course in Canada (since 1890).
Caivan has invested more than $12 million in this proosed development. Caivan has been appearing before Perth Council seeking the proper permissions. You can see the 18 holes of the golf course, with the town of Perth being where the red pin sits. The golf course will go to a 9-hole course. The golf course didn't do well during COVID.
 |
The golf course sits on the edge of a wetland.
|
They are talking about doing a two-lane redo of the bridge on Peter St., with a walking path, or a new bridge crossing the Tay River (see below). When you think of 2000 - 3000 people living here, and only one exit road, that would be tricky. In an opinion piece,
Ramsey Hart explained that Perth is like the rest of the province, the town is desperate for affordable housing, especially for the vulnerable. He is the ED for The Table, our local food bank. I agree with him. But I am not a Perth resident, and I don't really have a say. I am interested in the process.
 |
This is the Peter St. bridge leading to the golf course.
It is the only access point. |
I am curious about infrastructure. The Perth town plan states its goal:
"Policy 1.2.1
To provide for a compact and energy efficient land use pattern that optimizes the use of available
infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, waste disposal) and public service facilities (schools, hospitals,
recreation and cultural facilities, fire and police) and which utilizes densities and development standards
which are cost effective."
"Section 8.1.4.2 – Development Concept states that: ... “The New Residential Area is anticipated to meet the mid to long-term growth and settlement
needs of the Town... Development may only proceed
where the necessary urban infrastructure can be provided and adequate capacity is available,
notably municipal (piped) water and sanitary sewer. "
On p. 24, they write about Phase 1, which includes discharging treated stormwater into
Grants Creek Provincially Significant Wetland. "An Integrated Hydrological Impact Assessment will be
completed to determine how the wetland may be altered by the discharge of treated stormwater into it. " The Environment Ministry, RVCA, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans, will monitor it.
I wonder if there are reports of spring flooding? The golf course is on the edge of Perth, RVCA provides data on watersheds.
This area, the golf course (upper right), is part of Grant's Creek watershed.
This RVCA subwatershed report falls outside the town boundary, but the Tay River (35 km) connects theses two watershed areas.
Perth is contemplating a $300,000 upgrade to the water tower. Probably a good idea considering these circumstances. That has to be done in June or September, the shoulder seasons, as the town water has to shut down during the process.
"A second water tower was discussed last year by council. Machan said this will be required when a large residential or commercial development takes place that requires additional flow."
We shall see what they decide!
