Background
Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan
The policies laid out in Section 21 of the Town's Official Plan (Pg. 161) for the Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan are based on the concept that the role of the Sunnidale Trails community area is to maintain and build upon the existing park like setting and recreational nature of the Town of Wasaga Beach. The community is intended to be a mixed community providing for all stages of the lifecycle and allowing a wide variety and diversity of housing alternatives and choices. Community facilities and amenities such as schools and parks will be provided with trail linkages to open space and natural areas.
The Sunnidale Trails community will be primarily low density in character with some forms of medium density development spread throughout the Secondary Plan area in small clusters. Commercial uses are contemplated in a well defined community centre area that could also include institutional uses. It is intended that a community identity and neighbourhood character be established through the creation and implementation of urban design guidelines and an open space master plan.
About the Plan Area
The Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan area covers 257 hectares (635 acres) in the south end of Wasaga Beach. The lands are located on the east side of Sunnidale Road, south of the Nottawasaga River, and north of the municipal boundary with Clearview Township. There are a number of ownership interests within the Secondary Plan area. When fully built out, it is estimated that there will approximately 2,750 new residential units constructed (accommodating approximately 7,200 persons), new service commercial, new elementary school and a new secondary school.
See the Secondary Plan.
Sunnidale Trails by Pacific Homes
Phase 1 of this build by Pacific Homes represents 59.5 hectares (146 acres) at the southern portion of the development area and consists of 604 dwelling units comprised of residential (singles, semi-detached, townhomes, apartment block), commercial, institutional, environmental protection lands, parks and open space. The collection of residential units will encompass a village square where locals can find shops, and restaurants that your family can enjoy all year round!
Park Block and Village Square
The subject Park Block will be the situated at the Town Centre and gateway to the community. Elements from the detail design will align with the Urban Design Guidelines adopted for the development and will exhibit landscaping and architectural elements that create an attractive, inviting community space that can be enjoyed by all – at any time of the year. See conceptual plans here (Pg. 157)
The Park Block associated with the initial phase of development represents approximately 2.0 ha of land and will include the following elements:
- Market Area
- Covered Skating rink with artificial ice
- Children playspace, swings and structures
- Landscape features including berms and numerous trees
- Mini-soccer field
- Pickle ball courts
- Shared parking lot with the elementary school
- Accommodation for a future splash pad
- Other architectural elements, such as ornamental fencing, low walls, and structures such as arbours, gazebos or pergolas
- Trail system intended to provide a continuous connection throughout the Sunnidale Trails community. The trails are to extend through parks, natural areas, creek corridors and connect to the adjacent proposed school and outdoor learning area.
Sunnidale Homes
Sunnidale Homes is a new master planned community by Redberry Homes is located at Sunnidale Road and Concession 12 starting from the $500's and is comprised of family-inspired homes established in a friendly and flourishing neighbourhood and the ideal place for new couples, growing families, and empty nesters alike.
Elementary School
On July 10th 2018, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) posted an advertisement inviting interested parties to submit expressions of interest relating to potential partnership opportunities for the Wasaga Beach elementary (new) school. On July 24, 2018, Council directed staff to submit a letter verifying the Town’s interest in partnering with the school.
In February of 2020 the Town entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) to partner in the building of the future elementary school in the Sunnidale subdivision to provide a purpose built recreation space for community use during evenings, weekends and summer holidays when students and teachers are out of the school.
In February 2021, council agreed to the signing of a Joint Use and Cost Sharing Agreement with the board for the provision of the recreation facility at the school.
River's Edge by Zancor
Zancor Sunnidale Trails (Phase 1) – Comprising 1145 dwelling units, and a highschool block, this Zancor development represents a significant area of development within the Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan.
Learn more about this project.
Staff Reports
Questions and Answers
| Questions and Answers |
| What is the Sunnidale Trails subdivision? |
| Sunnidale Trails is a development area in the south central part of Wasaga Beach.
The land, 635 acres, is on the east side of Sunnidale Road and north of Sunnidale Concession 12.
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How many homes will be a part of this new neighbourhood?
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The Sunnidale Trails subdivision plan projects 2,750 homes.
Pacific Homes will construct roughly a quarter of these units, including 444 single detached homes and semi-detached, plus 100 townhouses and 60 apartment units.
The total Sunnidale Trails build includes another 1,639 singles and semis, 376 townhouses, and 131 apartment units.
Approximately 7,000 people will call this new neighbourhood their home.
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What community amenities will support this new development?
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Part of the development includes a community park area. In planning documents, this is referred to as a “park block”.
In January, council’s Coordinated Committee approved, in principle, the conceptual design for the park.
See the related staff report.
The park area is almost five acres and will include:
- A market area;
- Covered skating rink/outdoor play surface;
- Mini-soccer field;
- Pickle ball court;
- Space for a splash pad in the future;
- And a trail system;
The cost is approximately $4.8-million, as noted in the staff report, and the cost will be covered through development charges.
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When will these park amenities be built?
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As noted in the January 2021 staff report, the soccer field and related amenities are slated for completion in the fall of 2022, in tandem with a new elementary school, which will be built next to the park by the Simcoe County District School Board.
Playground structures are slated for completion in 2023 and spring 2024.
A nearby plaza is scheduled for completion in 2025.
The market area, rink, pickle ball court, and other amenities are planned for completion in the fall of 2026.
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What are some of the project milestones?
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2021
- Establish Committee’s consent/agreement, in principle, as it relates to the Park Block Conceptual Design
- Commence construction of the new elementary school
2022
- Release and Award RFP for Landscape Architect / Consulting Services to perform the following:
- Detailed park block design
- Tender specifications
- Tender release and award
- Contract Administration & Construction Inspection for the various park components and phasing
- Warranty Inspection and Final Certification
- Parking Lot and Soccer Field / Mini-Pitch (align/incorporate construction with the adjacent SCDSB school block development)
- Release and Award RFP for Building Architect & Structural Services to design the Market Area and Skating Rink (Note, this may also be a provisional item under the Landscape Architect’s scope – to engage said architect for the relative design, structural build and related mechanical works).
2023
2025
- Plaza paving and granular walkway loop
2026
- Post 2025 - Phase 2 - Market Area, Ice Rink, Pickle Ball, Shelters, Paved Walkway Loop & Outdoor Learning Area
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How does the elementary school work into the development project?
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Wasaga Beach is a growing community and the Simcoe County District School Board plans to build a new elementary school in town to meet the needs of families.
In January 2018, the province announced funding for a new elementary school.
In December 2020, the board selected the site at the Sunnidale Trails development.
Prior to choosing the site, in July 2018, the board posted an advertisement inviting interested parties to submit expressions of interest relating to partnership opportunities for the new Wasaga Beach elementary school.
The town responded and in February 2020 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the board to help build a community recreation space as part of the new school.
The community will be able to use the space evenings, weekends, and summer holidays. It will function very much like a community centre.
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How will the relationship work between the town and the board in regards to the new community recreation space?
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In February 2021, council approved entering into a Joint Use and Cost Sharing Agreement with the board.
The current floorplan for the elementary school defines a joint use facility area of just over 13,000 square feet or roughly 30 percent of the entire school building.
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What do the joint use components include?
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Included under the agreement is the following areas:
- Lobby;
- Multiple washrooms;
- A multi-purpose room;
- Kitchenette;
- Double-gym;
- Portable stage system.
See the staff report on the Joint Use Cost Sharing Agreement to learn more.
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What are the financial requirements of the town?
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The town’s capital contribution is $1.5-million, is a planned expenditure and forms part of the town’s four-year capital forecast. The amount is also part of the tax rate forecast. The funds will be required in 2023.
We estimate operating costs of $20,000 annually for the town’s proportionate share of the school space. We base this on the town utilizing the facility three nights a week and limited weekend use throughout the school year as well as 29 full days during the summer. Based on the town’s committed hours of use, the town will pay 24 percent of the annual operating costs of the joint use facility.
As you can see this arrangement with the board represents extremely good value for the residents of Wasaga Beach.
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Are there outstanding financial matters that must still be determined?
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Yes. Rental revenues, as well as staff and program costs, must still be modelled.
Check back with us for new information as the project moves forward.
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I heard a parcel of land has been set aside for a high school. Is this correct?
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Yes, a 15-acre parcel of land has been set aside in the adjacent development parcel to the north for a future high school.
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Who determines when the town will receive a high school?
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| The Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board make those decisions based on detailed analysis of need across their entire network of schools. Every year the boards develop capital plans based on priority need and submit them to the Ministry of Education for approval. |
| Cultural and Recreational Needs Assessment |
| The Town, in consultation with the developers (Pacific Homes and Mr. Fred Picavet) completed a Cultural & Recreational Needs Assessment (CRNA) in 2014 to help understand and define future park and trail development, facility needs and related amenities for the Sunnidale Trails Secondary Plan. The assessment also examined potential collaborative initiatives between public-private partners who may be interested in having a role in the development of recreational/cultural facilities in the secondary plan, which would then service and attract new residential growth. The report identified recreation needs, collaborative opportunities and was relied upon as the foundation for the subject park concept under consideration. |
| Public/Private Partnership between the Town and the developer |
| Pacific Homes over the years has worked extensively with the Town on the development of the community park concept. Committee may recall a presentation by representatives of the developer where the outdoor rink concept was presented along with a commitment of $500,000 and other features to assist in the development of the park. They also contributed 50% of the Cultural and Recreational Needs Assessment. The focus of their development is on families and to that end they view the Community Park and adjacent Elementary School Block as being the catalyst for their development. Working with the Town, a five year development plan for the park has been created that will see phases of the park develop as homes are built in the community. |
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