Latest news with #greenspace
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury ties Azilda housing project to pool plan after council vote
The exterior of the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in the Greater Sudbury community of Azilda on May 28, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) City council voted Tuesday night to reconsider plans for vacant land at Azilda's Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, approving a motion that will add a portion of the property to the city's affordable housing land bank – but only after construction begins on a long-awaited aquatic facility. The decision came after residents raised concerns about losing green space when the rezoning was first proposed. Ward 4 Coun. Pauline Fortin, who brought forward the motion, acknowledged those worries. 'The community didn't want it. And it wasn't just the 'NIMBYism' … It was right through Rayside about concern over losing the green space, and I understand – and I agree,' Fortin said. The amended motion stipulates that the site will only be designated for affordable housing once the city's aquatic review plan is confirmed, funded, and construction has started on a new pool. Fortin said the proposal includes renovating the existing centre to add a 25-metre pool and warm-water tank for seniors, while a portion of the adjacent field would be used for housing. Councillor Fortin - Sudbury Ward 4 An undated profile photo of Greater Sudbury Ward 4 councilor Pauline Fortin. (File photo/City of Greater Sudbury) 'This situation is quite different than council or any other council has dealt with before,' she said. Balancing housing and recreation needs The compromise aims to address both Greater Sudbury's housing shortage and a decades-long push for a pool in Azilda. Fortin noted the project has been discussed since before municipal amalgamation. LIONEL E. LALONDE CENTRE The exterior of the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in the Greater Sudbury community of Azilda on May 28, 2025. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario) 'When seniors can't stay in their home anymore… they want to stay in the community, but there is no place to go. If we can make affordable housing for them and at the same time get a pool and turn it into a full recreational park – that's a win right across the board,' she said. However, the decision faced opposition from some councillors, including Ward 9's Deb McIntosh, who argued housing should take priority. Councillor McIntosh - Sudbury Ward 9 An undated profile photo of Greater Sudbury Ward 9 councilor Deb McIntosh. (File photo/City of Greater Sudbury) 'Who knows when the pool will happen? We need housing now. We don't need a pool right now, but we do need housing,' she said. Mayor Paul Lefebvre defended the decision, emphasizing that the land remains in the city's affordable housing reserve while addressing community concerns. Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre An undated profile photo of Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. (File photo/City of Greater Sudbury) 'The city will not be the one developing it… but at the end of the day, it needs to be affordable housing,' he said, clarifying that such projects are priced at 80 per cent of market rent and differ from supportive housing. Next steps and feasibility study Fortin said a feasibility study, expected by the end of June, will determine costs and site suitability. Early estimates suggest the pool could cost around $30 million, with $5 million currently allocated. 'There's a ways to go,' she said, noting funding from higher levels of government will be needed. 'But this is definitely on the right track.' Lefebvre stressed the land bank's role in enabling partnerships with developers. 'We've seen great projects in Coniston and want to recreate that success,' he said. While some residents remain wary of losing green space, Fortin said Azilda's current ratio of seven hectares per 1,000 residents exceeds the municipal standard of four. She pledged to address tree canopy deficits through planting initiatives. The motion's approval marks a rare reconsideration of a prior council decision. Fortin called it a 'beautiful outcome' but acknowledged challenges ahead before shovels hit the ground.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposal to build 170 homes on village edge
Developers have submitted plans to build 170 homes on the edge of Fleckney. David Wilson Homes wants to construct the properties on a 18.6 acre (7.5 hectares) area of farmland to the north of the village. Planning officers at Harborough District Council are considering the scheme for a site off Long Grey and Garner Way. Documents lodged with the authority said the company proposed 40% of the homes would be affordable properties. They also said the new estate would include areas of green space, including allotments. A decision on the planning application is expected to be made later this year. Another planning application has been submitted for a further 170 homes on an adjacent field, off Leicester Road, which officers are considering. Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Harborough District Council
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Proposal to build 170 homes on edge of Fleckney
Developers have submitted plans to build 170 homes on the edge of Wilson Homes wants to construct the properties on a 18.6 acre (7.5 hectares) area of farmland to the north of the officers at Harborough District Council are considering the scheme for a site off Long Grey and Garner Way. Documents lodged with the authority said the company proposed 40% of the homes would be affordable properties. They also said the new estate would include areas of green space, including allotments.A decision on the planning application is expected to be made later this planning application has been submitted for a further 170 homes on an adjacent field, off Leicester Road, which officers are considering.
BBC News
10-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
New country park in Royal Wootton Bassett to open the public
A country park spanning 48 acres (0.19 sq km) will officially open to the public land on Brynards Hill, in Royal Wootton Bassett, was handed over to the town council from developers Wain Homes on 8 January after more than two years of transfer excludes two nearby play parks but secures the majority of the area as a country park for community use. Mark Hopkins, chief officer at Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, played a key role in securing the transfer and described the park's opening as "a proud moment for the town". The town council hopes to protect and develop the land as a shared green space for recreation, wildlife, and wellbeing. Speaking in January, Royal Wootton Bassett Mayor, councillor Pat Farrow, said: "I am so proud and delighted that the final legal process has been completed. "I want to thank everyone who have worked to make this vision a reality."At the time, Wain Homes donated nearly 30 trees, planted to replace specimens that have failed to grow or have been damaged, to enhance the park's natural environment. Technical director at Wain Homes, Jeremy Johnson, said the firm is "delighted" to transfer the park to the town."The country park presents a valuable asset for all to enjoy with breathtaking views and an abundance of open space."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bossier City's first-ever pocket park
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) is undertaking projects to increase green space and the connectivity of areas within the city. One unique project underway is the city's first-ever pocket park. 'A pocket park is a tiny, cozy green space placed into a neighborhood: like a little outdoor getaway with benches, flowers, and maybe a playground, perfect for relaxing, playing, or meeting neighbors,' says Bossier City-Parish MPC Assistant Planner, Carolina Blunck. Bossier City is currently in the pre-planning stages of creating a park at the intersection of Shed Road and Airline Drive. 'The purpose of a pocket park is to provide a small, accessible green space where people can relax, play, and connect with their community, especially in areas without larger parks. Pocket parks help improve quality of life by adding greenery to high-traffic, urban areas that often generate more heat, making neighborhoods more comfortable, attractive, and environmentally friendly,' says Blunck. Blunck says pocket parks are slightly different from public parks. 'The first key difference is size and setting. Pocket parks are intentionally designed to fit into small, underutilized urban spaces—and in this case, we are making use of existing City-owned property in Bossier City,' says Blunck. Cabinet Health disrupts healthcare with 'sustainable pharmacy' One of the many environmental benefits of a pocket park is its ability to contribute to urban cooling by adding greenery to areas dominated by pavement and concrete. This helps reduce the heat island effect, a common issue in densely developed areas.' As of publication, the pocket park does not have a construction date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
