Verona Master Plan Report & Presentation

In early 2020 the Township acquired two parcels of land in the Village of Verona with frontage on Verona Street for the purpose of seniors affordable housing development. Since then, work has been undertaken to prepare to develop the land.

Given the location, size and scale of the development, in 2021 Council supported the creation of a Master Plan for the properties that would ensure that future development is compatible with surrounding uses and takes into account opportunities for connections between new housing, the downtown, and various public amenities.

The final Verona Housing Master Plan was prepared by MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson (MHBC) with support from Township staff. It incorporates the results of extensive stakeholder engagement and best land use planning practices. The Plan provides a policy framework for how development should proceed on the property including the size and scale of development; accessibility; amenities; connections with the downtown core, nearby housing developments, and adjacent public recreational properties; active transportation linkages; motorized vehicle compatibility; built form and design standards; parking; servicing, and phasing. This plan was endorsed by Council at their February 15, 2022, regular meeting.

Below, residents can review the Verona Master Plan Final Report prepared by MHBC, their presentation, and a report prepared by staff providing an overview of the project, some key highlights and next steps in the development process.

Next Steps

In 2022 Budget, Council approved funding for an architectural design and project management consultant that would prepare site plans and tender drawings based in part on the recommendations of the Master Plan, as well as supplementary studies and market research that continues to be collected.

Considering the recent MECP direction regarding source water protection, and the recommendations of the Master Plan, a servicing options report needs to first be conducted before a design consultant should be hired. This will identify the best and most cost-effective way to service the development. This first step is anticipated to take 4-6 months.

For more details on next steps, see the full documents above.