Unlike others, Bill Teron decided to make a lengthy oral presentation to the Commission. Atop his mind were the needs of his proposed March Ridge Development in South March. His presentation was as much an advertisement for March Ridge as it was an expression of needs and concerns, but some of them, such as hoping that it would not be necessary to incorporate March Ridge separately, were quite interesting.
- 29 -
WILLIAM TERON LTD.
HEARING
This submission comprised an oral presentation at the public hearing. No written brief was received.
The submission was made by Mr. William Teron, and consisted primarily of a description in some detail of the planning for the large Teron development - the March Ridge Development - in south March Township, which is now under construction. The following points were made:
1) With westward development inside the greenbelt nearing completion, William Teron Ltd. decided to undertake the building of a satellite town beyond the greenbelt, in uniformity with the Gréber proposals for the National Capital region.
2) The site requirements included:
- sufficient size to determine its own environment and support a desirable range of urban services;
- location in the direction of population growth, within one drainage area and preferably one Township and adjacent to good highway access to the core;
- economically feasible, with varied topography suitable for desirable residential, industrial and commercial development to produce a balanced satellite with sufficient assessment.
3) A 4,500 acre townsite in south March was chosen; March Ridge Development Co. Ltd. acquired 3300 acres and the other owners the remainder. The Development Co. undertook detailed planning for the entire site.
4) A population of 40,000-50,000 has been planned for, with 7,000-8,000 single detached houses (ranging from $15,000. - $100,000.) and 4,000-5,000 multiple units, grouped in
- 30 -
neighbourhoods, 3 neighbourhoods to a community. Development is expected to take about a generation (21 years) and sites will be preserved for subsequent addition of housing for older families and individuals as the town matures.
5) Development of a 1,000 acre golf course is under consideration, 8-9% of the land will be dedicated as parkland, and a 'town centre' (at the edge of the townsite next to the Queensway cloverleaf so it can also serve a wider market) has been laid out with provision for retail facilities, a hospital, medical offices, municipal offices, a bus depot, an arts centre, etc. A 'secondary greenbelt' is proposed around the satellite to define and separate it from any other developments beyond the greenbelt; it is hoped this can be implemented by government.
6) It is anticipated that the industrial area will include a "research park" to complement the extensive research facilities proposed in the western greenbelt adjacent. Including jobs in this portion of the greenbelt, some 50-60% of the labour force living in the satellite is expected to work locally.
7) With municipal improvements in the subdivision and trunk mains to the March boundary paid for by the developer, and a capital payment to the Township of $500. per house, a financial study showed that the municipality's financial position will not be adversely affected by the development. Relationships with the Township have been excellent, and there is confidence in the municipality's ability to serve the growing needs of March Ridge residents. Mr. Teron is hopeful that no 'urban-rural' friction will develop.
8) It is hoped he South Carleton Board may build a new High School in the March Ridge area in the near future. A bus service from the satellite to connect with the Ottawa Transportation Commission at Simpsons Sears will be operated by
- 31 -
the Development Company commencing May 1, 1965, and continued until the first local shopping centre is opened. Extensive recreation facilities within the subdivision will be donated by the developer to local community associations which home purchasers are required to join; these associations will be required to finance operation and maintenance of the facilities.
Mr. Teron expressed the hope that through such arrangements the gradual transfer of his holdings to residents of the development will proceed smoothly, without the need for separate municipal incorporation of the 'new townsite'. He was also hopeful that institution of any changes in local government resulting from this Review will proceed in an orderly manner, without disrupting the development of March Ridge.
************
Those trunk mains would become a significant concern later on.