BADEN, September 2024 — The Township of Wilmot Council has approved the Snyder’s Road (Baden) GP Inc. subdivision project with a close 3-2 vote. Councillors Wilkinson and Dunstall opposed the decision. This transformative development will create a residential community with up to 463 new homes, green spaces, and essential amenities on approximately 20.73 hectares of land located on the north side of Snyder’s Road in Baden.
Development Highlights
The approved subdivision plan (30T-21601) includes:
- 50 residential blocks with 209-261 townhomes and single-detached units.
- Two multiple residential blocks providing 110-166 cluster townhomes or apartments.
- A centrally located school block, requested by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. If unused for educational purposes, it could be repurposed for additional residential units.
- A stormwater management area spanning 1.299 hectares along the western property line.
- A 6-metre-wide multi-use trail along the eastern and western boundaries for active transportation and connectivity.
- A public park adjacent to the stormwater management area, linked by pedestrian walkways and trails.
Rezoning and Zoning Designations
Rezoning was required to facilitate this project, as the land was previously zoned Agricultural (Z1). The new zoning designations include:
- Residential (Z2c) with special provisions for blocks designated for low-rise and future development.
- Institutional (Z12) for the school block, with flexibility for residential use if the school is not built.
Specific zoning updates include:
- Residential Blocks 4, 6, 9, 10, 12-26, and Future Development Blocks 38 and 41 zoned Residential (Z2c-X).
- School Block 1, Stage 2 zoned Institutional (Z12) with special provision (Z2c-Y).
Additional Modifications
Key changes in the approved plan to enhance functionality and community living:
- Widening Streets One and Two to 23 metres to serve as collector roads.
- Adding a turning circle at the Streets One and Two intersection.
- Resizing and relocating the school block.
- Extending Street Five to connect the park to the collector road for improved accessibility.
- Replacing Bettschen Lane’s road connection with a pedestrian walkway.
- Adjusting the stormwater management block.
Alignment with Wilmot’s Official Plan
The project aligns with the Township of Wilmot Official Plan, which designates the majority of the land as a Designated Greenfield Area within the Urban Area Boundary. The development supports the township’s goals for balanced residential growth, urban connectivity, and active transportation.
