“We’re not looking at specific concepts in terms of concepts to move forward to approval,” said Newbold. “These are illustrations about how the different land uses could be arranged in a new community.”

The three concept plans show varying degrees of development intensification, but are all based on a provincial guideline of 80 residents and jobs per hectare of new greenfield development.

“We have to make sure that the densities we will be proposing are sufficient to meet that,” said Newbold.

Along with mixed-use and commercial developments, elementary and secondary schools, public parks, community centres and places of worship, the secondary plan concepts include multiple housing forms.

“Singles, semis, semi-detached – all forms of housing will be considered in this area, and apartments as well,” said Newbold.

Newbold said transit is a key component of the Elfrida growth plan.

“The success in this community will be based on how well transit is used,” said Newbold. “The transportation network and the quality of the streets will be very important.”

While it remains a long-term goal forecast within the next 25 years, the Elfrida area is envisioned as part of the “S” line within the city’s BLAST rapid transit network. The proposed line would run from Eastgate Square, south along Centennial Parkway, to Elfrida, and west along Rymal Road to the Ancaster Business Park at Duff's Corners.

During a previous round of open houses in June, residents of Hannon’s Summit Park subdivision told the city Rymal Road is frequently gridlocked during morning and afternoon rush hours. And although the city currently provides bus service on Rymal, there is currently no GO Transit service available above the escarpment, which forces residents commuting to jobs in Toronto or Niagara to drive cars.

The three concept plans the city presented Dec. 6 show housing will mostly displace farmland. One of the concept plans does include an organic farm just north of Golf Club Road.

Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce executive director Patti Hall attended the Dec. 6 open house as an observer. Hall said the chamber could have an opportunity to expand its membership once Elfrida is fully urbanized.

“Really, it’s partnering right beside Stoney Creek and we have some members in this area and into Binbrook. So it’s actually a pretty good area to grow for us. We are definitely looking to expand right up into Binbrook.”

Future public open houses for the Elfrida growth plan are tentatively planned for next spring or summer. For more details, see Hamilton.ca/elfrida.

