spot_img
Thursday, August 21, 2025
spot_img

Kevlar development at a standstill after heated council debate

spot_img

Following a heated discussion at a Feb. 24 meeting of Smiths Falls town council, an Ottawa-based developer threatened to cancel a 20-unit town home project altogether.

After a long council discussion over a proposal to share the cost of a new sidewalk between the town and the developer, representatives of Kevlar Developments stood up and threatened to pull the project. 

“We came to town to get a project that you desperately need and you come here just to have it changed again and again,” Kevlar owner Kevin Mulligan said. “If that’s the way it’s going to work, we’re not going to be doing business here.” 

Senior planner Karl Grenke presented an update on the Kevlar project at the Feb. 24 meeting.

Councillors were in favour of the proposed site plan for 20 town homes, except for the proposed 50 per cent cost sharing of the sidewalk in front. To build the sidewalk connecting Lee Avenue with Abbott Street will cost $25,000.

“Kevlar purchased the property from town of Smiths Falls for $120,000,” Planning Consultant Christine McCuaig said at the Feb. 18 meeting. “It’s a sidewalk to nowhere and a significant cost to the developer.” 

Kevlar say they aren’t willing to cover the full cost of a sidewalk “leading to nowhere” as the previous developments near Ferrara Drive were built without them. 

“We can’t pass that bylaw if half of us don’t want the sidewalk,” Councillor Niki Dwyer said.

McCuaig clarified that the sidewalk was only included in the site plan after it was requested by town staff. 

Council discussed concerns over the cost-sharing proposal at last week’s meeting on Feb. 18. 

“It’s a matter of precedent that concerns me. We’re a very affordable community to invest in in terms of developers, we have no development charges here,” Mayor Shawn Pankow said on Feb. 18. 

Kevlar developers claimed that the town falsely advertised having no development charges.

“It severely disrupts the affordability of the units, which was the main idea of the units,” McCuaig said. 

“I think it was a huge mistake we didn’t push for sidewalks in other parts of the development,” Councillor Chris McGuire said on Feb 18. “I think the growth should pay for growth.”

Currently, there are no pedestrian crossings between Ferrara Drive and the commercial area on Lombard Street.

“Remember that Mapleridge will have over 100 homes. Bellamy Farms will be home to 70 or 80 people,” Mayor Pankow said on Feb. 24. “When these developments come it will be an even higher traffic area.”

Article by Emilie Must

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes exceptional Canadians

LAURIE WEIR In a special ceremony hosted by Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston MP...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Farmer grocer solider reeve

Ambrose Halladay moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths...

Impaired charge laid after a collision on Roger Stevens Drive

SUBMITTED A Toronto resident has been charged following a single...
spot_img

Stolen boat motor recovered in Arden

SUBMITTED BY OPP EAST REGION Arrest Warrant To Be Issued...

Council divided over veto, integrity complaints, and strong mayor powers in Rideau Lakes

LAURIE WEIR CHANTRY — The controversy around the Chantry office...

Disturbance results in multiple charges

SUBMITTED BY LANARK COUNTY OPP CARLETON PLACE - The Lanark...

Butterflies take flight again in Perth for second annual memorial release

Community gathers Aug. 20 to honour loved ones through...

Canada Post clarifies that the red flag’s only use is for outgoing mail

LAURIE WEIR PORTLAND — Rural residents, did you know that...

Six charged in Smiths Falls police investigations including impaired driving and animal cruelty

SUBMITTED / SMITHS FALLS POLICE SERVICE Breach investigation results in...

HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Markets, music and family fun this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img