New plan approved for Pettit Road Spears High-Pointe subdivision
February 25, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Fort Erie councillors have approved a revised plan for a Pettit Road development that nearly doubles the total number of dwelling units from what was previously approved.
Matthew Kernahan, the new owner of the Spears High-Pointe subdivision property, and his team brought forward the plan at the February 24 council meeting. It includes a total of 203 units, up from the 103 that the previous owner got approval for a few years ago.
“We feel the development application provides a balance to accommodate growth targets, improves housing opportunities at an attainable rate and results in an efficient use of land and urban surface,” said Upper Canada Consultants’ William Heikoop, speaking on behalf of Kernahan.
The town approved two phases of the previous plan back in 2015 and 2018. However, Heikoop said the previous owner died, with Kernahan eventually taking ownership of the property and the Yiliming International Real Estate company through which the previous approvals were sought.
All told, the new plan includes 119 single detached homes, and 14 blocks for 84 street townhouse units with a pedestrian walkway.
Site-specific modifications for frontage, lot area and density were required for the proposal.
The report that councillors approved recommended four holding provisions that will keep the project on hold until conditions are met. The holding provisions include requirements for waste management, ensuring no nearby private gas wells are present, meeting certain drainage and stormwater requirements, and a revised functional servicing report.
Some resident concerns have been expressed, including sidewalks, privacy fences, as well as density and the effects it would have on traffic.
Councillors acknowledge Pettit Road already has traffic issues, with residents reporting challenges getting onto the road from their driveway, as well as problems with speed.
“When you canvas this area during an election campaign you’ll hear from the residents that traffic is an issue, and if you’re familiar with the area and you drive it at all you’ll know that,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop, as he discussed sidewalks along Pettit Road.
Redekop also questioned the future look of the homes in the subdivision, but those concerns seemed to be addressed by the nature of Kernahan’s business model.
“We’re not a homebuilder, we’re a developer and we sell to a number of different homebuilders,” Kernahan said, suggesting that would likely lead to the variety of housing designs Redekop would like to see.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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