Community council approves new development

BEDFORD - North West Community Council last week approved a development agreement that will allow a mixed residential and community commercial development on 179 acres of land in a section of Bedford West.

The site is referred to as Sub-Area 2 and encompasses acreage to the east of the Kearney Lake Road and immediately to the west of Highway 102 in Bedford. The Clayton Developments-Cresco development includes residential, institutional, community commercial, parkland and other open space uses.

Those who attended and spoke during the Oct. 23 public hearing had questions about trails, protection of woodlands and wetlands, traffic and sewage diversion, including concerns about sewer line construction.

"The sewer timeline has not at this point been determined. The sewer and water infrastructure and extension has to go through the Utilities And Review Board," said HRM planner Andrew Bone. "The (UARB) will determine whether Halifax Water (Commission) can make a reasonable case ... It's a number of years out I would imagine, at least two if not more."

Rockingham Coun. Debbie Hum showed up after learning about the public hearing at the last minute. Despite the fact the development is in Bedford and falls under the jurisdiction of North West Community Council, she said there's a great deal of interest in the development, especially from residents in Kearney Lake. Portions of the Bedford West Master Plan Area borders their community.

"I would respectfully ask the clerk that if there's a public information meeting or a public hearing, if notices could be included for residents and myself," she asked, in addition to requesting that all information about Bedford West be forwarded to her, as well.

Clayton Developments senior vice president Mike Hanusiak thanked members of the public for their questions. He noted their plans for Sub-Area 2 included a comprehensive storm water management plan that was vetted through the Bedford Waters Advisory Board.

He also addressed the issue of sewage infrastructure. Hanusiak said their proposal is to go from three pumping stations to one. Their planned "gravity" system would be significantly cheaper and less complicated than pumping stations, he said.

Development designer Kevin Neat discussed the trails and parklands that will be part of the development. He said they're well aware the area along Kearney Run and up through the ravines is extremely environmentally sensitive and they will make sure trails and parkland development reflects that.

Following a brief discussion, councillors moved to approve the development agreement.

The Bedford West Master Plan area encompasses about 2,600 acres of land overall. While the development in question takes up 179 acres, 27 of those acres were set aside for the province's proposed Highway 113.

ydentremont@hfxnews.ca