Plans for a controversial First Street seniors’ residence may not go ahead after all. Orangeville council’s March decision to pass over a proposal from Origin Retirement Communities in favour of other projects has put the plan in limbo, a company official says.

Origin was one of nine applicants for sewage treatment capacity presented to council for side-by-side consideration; three were approved. An allocation is essential for development projects to move into the construction stage.

“At this time we have not formally committed to the project because of the servicing issues in Orangeville,” Origin development manager Mike Brcko tells The Banner. “It’s hard to get financing if you don’t have allocation.”

At that March meeting council allocated 186 of the 400 units of available treatment capacity. When two additional projects that receive automatic allocations are factored into the equation, as well as a project to which the town is legally obligated to supply capacity, there’s actually a shortage of capacity for 21 units at the plant.

However, review will be conducted over the next year to determine if there is room at the plant to accommodate more — conservative assumptions in flow rate calculations may be adjusted. The town is also in the midst of seeking approval to expand the plant by about 20 per cent, which would allow for continued development.

Asked if Origin is planning to apply for an allocation next year, Brcko said, “It’s possible.”
The for-profit company stirred up controversy last December with its proposal for a five-storey structure at 60-62 First St. If constructed, the project is to have 119 rental units — a mix of one-bedroom units, two-bedroom units, and studio apartments, as well as assisted living units.
Heritage Orangeville initially objected to the proposal, suggesting its size would put the character of the street at “significant risk.” However, the organization withdrew its opposition following negotiated alterations to the plan.

By the time zoning and official plan amendments arrived in front of council in February, Origin agreed to add two house-like wings to the front of the building, with trees and a courtyard in between, and push the taller section toward the back of the property.

Council approved the amendments, in a split vote, but decided against addressing the site plan at that time.