FERGUS ― Local councillors and residents were hard-pressed to find any elements they liked about a proposed large townhouse and commercial development discussed at a public meeting in Centre Wellington.
Presented by Dunpar Developments Inc., the development would see a three-storey, 192-unit residential cluster townhouse development with 11 commercial units fronting Victoria Terrace, an outdoor amenity area, private amenity space and 452 residential parking spaces constructed on a 4.78-hectare property at 650 Victoria Terrace.
The property is currently zoned industrial and inhabited by Krystalite GT Inc., a Canadian packaging manufacturer.
“In general, these townhomes complement the existing neighbourhood … and the commercial units will provide an opportunity for job creation, as well as uses that are required for a complete community,” said Dunpar’s senior development manager, Waleed Nawaz, at the meeting.
This was refuted by several residents during the meeting, including Jonathan Velasco, the project/plant engineer for Nexans Canada Inc., a nearby industrial plant, who opposed the development on behalf of the company, citing concerns about vehicle traffic, an increase in noise complaints and zoning incompatibility.
Velasco later questioned the results of the noise impact study, calling it “incomplete” and saying he recorded noise levels around 60 decibels coming from Nexans to the site.
The noise impact study notes audible noise caused by cooling fans at Nexans, with the sound levels at the closest property line around 45 dBA.
As a result, all noise is anticipated to be within the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks’ (MECP) guidelines, with no additional noise control measures required outside of the installation of central air conditioning and a warning clause about noise from nearby industrial facilities.
“I have spoken with other companies in the Toronto area that have gone into this nightmare where developments are happening across from their properties, and now they’re the ones paying,” said Velasco.
Presenting council with a petition with 250-signatures opposing the development, Fergus resident Bernice Robinet questioned most aspects of the proposal- sharing several concerns about light pollution, traffic, tree removal, neighbourhood character, and property values.
She also questioned the “flippant claim” that the site is currently “underutilized,” as the existing factory supports 35 local jobs.
“When I retired here, I figured this would be where my expiry date would be. I did not expect this,” said Robinet. “It will make life in my house, which backs right on Bellamy, a nightmare … and it’s not just me, it is a reality for the neighbourhood.”
One of approximately 50 residents who attended the meeting, Annalise Mazzorato shared similar concerns, saying she’d prefer to see developers prioritize using residential land or true infill within existing residential zones, rather than rezoning current industrial land that’s actively being used.
“My recommendation to council, if this needs to go forward, would be to … amend the development plans to match the current density and character of our neighbourhood,” said Mazzorato. “Many young families like myself chose to move to Fergus because it offered the space, the safety and the quality of life that I was looking for and isn’t available in some higher-density areas.”
Disappointed the developer didn’t attend the meeting in person, Coun. Bronwynne Wilton called the proposed tree removal “excessive,” and questioned whether the site plan could be redesigned to preserve more.
The development’s Tree Preservation Plan says the removal of 453 of 475 trees identified on and within six metres of the site is required to accommodate the proposed development. Twenty trees are proposed to be preserved.
Mayor Shawn Watters was also concerned about the tree removals, suggesting the natural tree groupings could present an opportunity for a linear park that could offer some screening for residents.
“To me, the trees definitely have value, and if you can work around those values, it’s just going to make your development better,” said Watters.
Coun. Barb Lustgarten-Evoy and Coun. Denis Craddock were both concerned about school pick-up and drop-off times and how it could impact area traffic, questioning whether the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) considered this.
The TIA said the proposed development is anticipated to generate approximately 108 to 124 trips during AM and PM peak hours, respectively and operate at “acceptable” service levels, but Nawaz said it’s unclear whether the school pick-up and drop-off numbers were considered.
No decision was made at the meeting; a staff recommendation and additional detailed information will be presented to council in a future staff report.
By Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Mar 02, 2026 at 14:35
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