Gananoque approves housing, Carveth developments

Gananoque council on Tuesday approved two development applications, one for a residential project and one for a long-term care home.

First, council unanimously voted to allow the application for 295 Oak Street, for a two-storey apartment building containing 16 units.

The 16 units, all to be fully accessible, are intended to meet Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) guidelines in terms of affordable housing, council heard.

Coun. Anne-Marie Koiner asked about the unit’s essentials and features.

Council heard that each unit would have its own washer and dryer, fridge, stove and easily accessible showers.

It was also noted during the council meeting that the development of this project would be conducted by local labour and former military service people throughout the area.

“It’s great; 16 new apartments in Gananoque,” said Coun. Colin Brown. “Excited to see shovels in the ground. I have no concerns.”

Following that approval, council unanimously gave the green light to an application for Carveth Care Centre.

The application for the long-term care facility, located at 375 James Street, permits an addition and new entrance to the existing home, an increase in the lot coverage from 35 per cent to 44 per cent, and a reduction in the rear yard setback from 7.5 metres to 6.6 metres.

Brenda Guy, Gananoque’s manager of planning and development, noted that the application was important, given the older portions of the building need to be updated to the current Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and energy efficiency standards.

No new long-term-care bed licenses are part of the addition. It is a revamping of the existing site to accommodate the existing licences. One new retirement unit is proposed.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Leakey, like the rest of council, threw her support behind the application, before adding that the service the facility provides to the community is much needed and welcomed.

Mayor John Beddows offered similar comments.

“Aging can be a scary thing,” said Beddows.

“But I have met people who have told me that they’re less afraid of aging in Gananoque because of Carveth.”