Project includes 6 freehold townhouses, 4 with secondary apartment units
PERTH — The Town of Perth’s committee of the whole has approved a zoning amendment for the parcel at 62–74 Cockburn Street, clearing the way for the next phase of the Perthworks development. The motion was passed at a public meeting held at Town Hall on Jan. 13.
The proposed project includes six freehold townhouse units, four of which will contain additional apartment units, creating a total of 10 residential dwellings.
“Our thought process on this was that it’s a way for people to get into the housing market,” explained Jaison Dolvane, speaking on behalf of Ekobuilt, the developer, “to be able to afford a freehold unit, and then offset a really big part of that mortgage through the rental.”
Planning staff confirmed the proposal aligns with higher-level planning policies, including the Provincial Planning Statement 2024, the Lanark County Sustainable Communities Official Plan, and the Town of Perth Official Plan. The development meets objectives for compact, energy-efficient design, residential intensification, a mix of housing types and densities, and efficient use of existing infrastructure.
Located near the downtown core, the project supports infill development, active transportation, and sustainable building practices.
“Ekobuilt’s mission is to build sustainable, non-toxic homes that use up to 90 per cent less energy for heating and cooling than a typical house,” Dolvane added.
According to Joanna Bowes, director of development services, the zoning amendment represents only the first step in a complex approval process.
“This is the first of several applications,” Bowes told committee members. “The zoning bylaw amendment simply confirms the permitted use and required setbacks.”
Next, the developer will apply for a building permit for the foundation, followed by a severance application to divide the foundation into six lots. After that, the project will require a condominium agreement with the county to manage shared services such as water and sewage.
“The condominium agreement is strictly for the maintenance of services,” Bowes explained. “It does not apply to roofs, siding, or other elements typically associated with condominiums.”
The primary issue debated by committee was parking. While parking is provided for the six principal townhouse units, the four additional apartments create a shortfall of four parking spaces under the town’s zoning bylaw.
“Our requirement for non-affordable townhouses is two parking spaces per unit,” said Coun. Jim Boldt. “Providing only one space sets a precedent for non-affordable housing.”
For townhouses that include an apartment unit, the proposed configuration would require one vehicle to be parked in the driveway and one in the garage, an arrangement that Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson flagged as problematic not because it would require car jockeying but because many cars do not fit into garages.
Dolvane warned that requiring additional parking would make the project unviable.
“I will be living in one of those additional units,” said Louise McDermott, an 82-year-old resident addressing committee. “I don’t own a car. I walk when I can, and otherwise rely on friends, neighbours, or a taxi.”
Supporters argued the development targets a demographic seeking sustainable, net-zero housing and a lifestyle less dependent on vehicle ownership.
In the end, committee voted to approve the zoning amendment, with McPherson dissenting. The developer will be required to pay cash-in-lieu of parking, currently set at $5,000 per missing space.
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Great summary of discussion