Citizens Want More Information Concerning Development of Subdivisions in Penetanguishene

Penetanguishene City Council holds monthly updates for citizens to let them learn about how the council is working on their behalf.

During the recent council meeting, they discussed various topics concerning citizens in the area. One was a community risk assessment done by the Loomex Group, which has done risk assessments for municipalities across Simcoe County. The assessment was completed for severe weather events, critical infrastructure failure, human health emergency, and fire in residential occupancy as well as fire in vulnerable occupancy.

Another presentation given to the City Council was by Ashlyn Kennedy concerning the subdivision development on Church Street and the extension of Oxley Drive. This presentation was part of an open public meeting where citizens were able to share their views and concerns about the development.

One citizen who shared their concerns was Sharon Penrose, a citizen who lives near Oxley St. She asked, “We have big mature trees against that water reservoir. I would like to know from the developer what they are going to do to protect the trees, especially since we are a pollinator town?”

That same citizen also raised concerns about the water levels in the nearby pond. She noticed the municipality had posted a sign by the pond that told nearby residents they would have to evacuate if water levels got too high.

Another citizen mentioned they looked at the developers' plans and had trouble reading and understanding the small print.

It was clear from multiple citizens who spoke at the meeting that more information is needed to be provided to citizens.