A consultant was present at Centre Wellington's council meeting on Tuesday, hoping to help guide the township's long-term intensification strategy.

Presented four options to intensify over the next 28 years, Watson and Associates laid out the numbers for staff.

Scenarios 1-3 ranged from 20-25 per cent intensification rates. The Land Needs Assessment took into consideration intensification up to 2051.

Intensification rates vary based on which option the township decides on. Photo via Township of Centre Wellington.

Coun. Bronwnynne Wilton was in favour of Scenario four. She was the only councillor to choose a stance on an option at the meeting. Wilton said she would like to see the option, and the 30 per cent intensification rate that comes along with it, be the route the township takes.

Each scenario has different rates of people /jobs per hectare. Photo via Township of Centre Wellington.

"Scenario four looks the best to me because it protects farmland, and it also will encourage a more compact and complete community. If we work towards that, we can maybe work towards a sustainable transportation plan and maybe some public transit within that community," Wilton said.

Wilton’s ideal scenario would have a rate of 55 people and jobs per hectare, adding that many housing options are available with option four.

"More apartments, purpose-built rental units, condominiums and row housing would be great. Three and four storey buildings- even five-storey buildings," Wilton stated.

Scenario three was the recommendation from the consultant.

A report from Wellington County has identified the following land need for the Township of Centre Wellington:

• 238 hectares for community area uses
• 160 hectares for employment area uses, and;
• A total land need of 398 hectares.

The presentation states council’s choice could shape “local planning, phasing and servicing plans.” The Land Needs Assessment was received for information.

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