A public meeting will be held later this month regarding a development that’s been in the works for a number of years.
The City of Orillia will host the virtual public meeting Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. It relates to Saytar Development Corporation’s request for a zoning bylaw amendment for its property at 570 Laclie St.
Saytar is asking the site be changed from mixed use-intensification area (holding two) to residential five exception #-intensification area. The developer is looking to build a seven-storey, 70-unit apartment building.
The project has been before previous councils. In 2015, Saytar was looking to develop an eight-storey building.
A report to council at the time indicated the $10-million project would generate $175,000 to $315,000 in annual tax revenue for the city and that construction would lead to the employment of 200 people over two years.
There was opposition to the project at that time. A petition with 70 signatures was presented to the city from residents who didn’t want to lose a view of the lake.
Pat Hehn, Ward 4 councillor, said she “hasn’t heard a word” of opposition since that time.
She also indicated her support for the project.
“We are so short of rental properties right now. It’s almost impossible to find,” she said. “We need rental units desperately in this community. I think we need to go through with it. That’s my gut feeling on this.”
“To add 70 apartments to the number we have available in this community would make an enormous difference,” she added.
Members of the public can have their say Jan. 18. Those who want to participate must register by noon on Jan. 17 by emailing [email protected] or calling 705-325-5408.
More information about the meeting process and ways to take part can be found here.
