Neighbours fight to keep ‘community space’ as town tries to build affordable homes

Goderich mayor is speaking out and defending a controversial affordable housing project. CTV London’s Scott Miller tells us why.

The homemade signs covering the fence around 110 Picton Street West tells you that neighbours want to see this vacant lot in Goderich kept as green as possible.

“It’s zoned community space. That might be taken away,” said Picton Street West resident, Rob McKercher.

For 100 years this green space, near downtown Goderich, was a lawn bowling club. But after it closed in 2014, the lot has sat empty.

The town is desperately trying to add housing to the community and are eyeing this lot and others to do it.

“We’re in a housing crisis. Would I say that we’re in a parks crisis in the town of Goderich? No, I wouldn’t say that. I would say we’re in a housing crisis,” said Goderich Mayor, Trevor Bazinet.

Which is why in May, the town let neighbours know they were considering changing the zoning of this Picton Street West lot from community space to residential. A mistake, said neighbours, who favour a park designed specifically for seniors.

“So, if we could look at the space and build in benches and trees and paths and recreational activities, with a focus on seniors, we think it would really add to the town and keeping it under the community zoning so that long term, we have flexibility with the space,” said Picton Street West resident, Sarah McKercher.

McKercher acknowledges Goderich needs housing. On Aug. 1, fire destroyed an 18-unit apartment building in Goderich. 26 residents were displaced.

Mayor Bazinet said almost all those residents had to leave Goderich because there were no affordable housing units available.

“Did you ever think a Tim Hortons wouldn’t be 24 hours anymore? Well, there’s a reason for that now, right?” said Bazinet.

“There’s not enough housing in the town of ours to be able to support some of our businesses in the town.”

Picton Street West neighbours will bring their case to keep 110 Picton Street West as community space, back to Goderich council on Jan. 14.

“Historically, looking through all the other rezoning that’s been done to the town, community space never comes back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” said Rob.

“Yes to affordable housing, yes to housing needs, but also yes to green space, yes to community space. It’s about balance and long-term planning, and what does it actually look like as we live here, as it intensifies,” said Sarah.

Bazinet said no final decisions have been made regarding the rezoning of 110 Picton Street West, and he appreciates the residents’ thoughtful submissions, but finding places for people to live is top of mind for Goderich council right now.

“There’s a lot at stake here. We don’t want people moving away from our community,” said Mayor Bazinet.