Reach Street proposal draws extensive public discussion.

A proposed mixed-use community on Reach Street took centre stage during the Township of Scugog's Planning and Community Affairs Committee meeting on June 15, as members of the public addressed Council about the scale, benefits and potential impacts of the project.

The application applies to lands at 1520, 1540 and 1580 Reach Street in Port Perry. It was submitted by Malone Given Parsons on behalf of the property owners and includes requests for an Official Plan Amendment, a Zoning By-law Amendment and approval of a Draft Plan of Subdivision.

The proposed master plan includes a range of housing types, employment lands, neighbourhood commercial uses, long-term care and seniors housing, parks, trails, stormwater management facilities and new public road connections.

According to information presented at the meeting, the development could contain approximately 950 to 1,375 residential units, accommodate about 2,200 residents and support approximately 1,000 jobs. Buildings of up to eight storeys are proposed along Reach Street.

The applicant indicated that construction would occur in phases over an estimated 25 years and would depend on future servicing and infrastructure improvements.

A public meeting, not a final decision

The meeting was held under Ontario's Planning Act to receive public input on the proposed planning amendments and subdivision.

Council did not vote to approve or reject the development. Township staff will continue reviewing technical studies, departmental comments, agency feedback and submissions from the public before bringing a future recommendation report to Council.

Residents may continue submitting written comments to Township planning staff before a decision is made.

Support for housing and employment growth

Brett Puckrin of Seagrave spoke in support of increasing employment lands in Scugog. He referenced previous recommendations from the Township's Economic Development Advisory Committee and highlighted the need for housing options for young people, families and seniors.

Puckrin also noted that the development would occur in phases and would require full municipal servicing infrastructure.

Michael Hunte of Royal Homes supported increasing the local housing supply and encouraged Council and planning staff to consider manufactured homes as one possible way of addressing housing needs.

Calls for additional consultation

Larry Corrigan and Don Farquharson argued that the proposal should place a greater emphasis on the needs of Scugog's aging population.

They encouraged greater consideration of seniors-focused and intergenerational housing, including options that would allow residents to downsize and remain in the community as they age.

Corrigan and Farquharson also called for additional public consultation. They suggested either delaying consideration until the Township's Official Plan Review and the 2026 municipal election are complete or providing a 120-day deferral to allow further public discussion.

Patricia Conlin raised concerns about the scale of the development and its potential effects on privacy, infrastructure capacity, traffic, healthcare services and the environment. She asked that consideration of the application be deferred until after the municipal election.

Richard Seres also requested a deferral until after the Official Plan Review and the 2026 election. His concerns included traffic, the level of public consultation and the possible effects of the project on Port Perry's heritage character, tourism appeal and rural identity.

Seniors housing and long-term care

Paul Andrews asked for more information about the long-term care component included in the proposal, including whether it would operate through a private or public partnership.

Several other speakers also emphasized the importance of creating housing that would allow older residents to downsize and age in place without leaving Scugog.

Housing targets and market conditions

John Powell discussed the Envision Durham Plan and questioned the Township's responsibility for meeting provincial housing targets.

Tracy Pastic also asked whether Scugog is required to meet the targets referenced by the applicant. She raised additional concerns about infrastructure capacity and the potential effects of growth on Port Perry's character and tourism economy.

Judy Griffiths questioned the viability of additional development under current housing market conditions. She raised concerns about affordability, existing housing supply and how housing growth is coordinated throughout Durham Region.

Employment lands and the local economy

Brian Callery questioned the proposed balance between residential growth and employment lands.

He noted that some existing employment lands in Scugog have seen limited development and argued that strengthening the local employment base should occur alongside population growth.

Callery also questioned whether a development of this scale could affect Scugog's long-term attractiveness to residents and businesses.

Schools and educational infrastructure

Charles Shearer raised concerns about school capacity and asked how local schools would accommodate students generated by the proposed development.

During the discussion, Council noted that nearby lands owned by the Durham District School Board may create opportunities for future expansion. Decisions involving school construction and capacity ultimately fall under the responsibility of the appropriate school boards and the Province.

Healthcare and transportation concerns

Rachel Stableford asked whether healthcare providers had been consulted as part of the planning process. She raised concerns about physician availability, traffic congestion and the capacity of the existing road network.

Other delegates similarly questioned how local healthcare, emergency services, transportation systems and other community services would keep pace with the proposed population increase.

Rural identity and visual impact

Brad Nadaga spoke about the importance of preserving Port Perry's rural landscape and character.

He expressed concern about how higher-density development and taller buildings could affect views and permanently alter the visual identity of the community.

Questions about taxation and municipal revenue

Local resident Noah Cornish asked how the proposed development could affect the Township's tax base and whether population growth could support additional investment in services such as healthcare and seniors supports.

Councillor Robert Rock followed the discussion with questions about the amount of taxation revenue the development could generate and how that revenue could affect the Township's financial position.

The discussion also considered development charges, servicing costs and the infrastructure required to support growth. Staff indicated that taxation impacts, servicing requirements and long-term municipal costs will continue to be examined during the technical review.

A larger tax base can increase municipal revenue, but new development can also create additional costs for roads, parks, emergency services, recreation facilities and other infrastructure. The net financial impact will depend on the final design, housing mix, employment development, servicing strategy and timing of construction.

Applicant responds to public questions

Following the delegations, representatives of Malone Given Parsons responded to questions about housing, employment, healthcare, education, infrastructure and the proposed development timeline.

The applicant said the proposal is intended to create a complete community containing a variety of housing types and employment opportunities.

The applicant also acknowledged that healthcare and education planning are primarily provincial responsibilities, while municipal matters such as zoning, roads, servicing and land-use planning will continue to be reviewed through the Township's application process.

Servicing remains a major consideration

Council discussed water and wastewater capacity, roads, development charges, infrastructure and the relationship between residential growth and the proposed employment lands.

The applicant's servicing consultant presented a strategy that could include connections to the Sherrington Drive pumping station and future infrastructure intended to support both the proposed community and nearby employment areas.

The final servicing approach remains subject to review by the Township, Durham Region and other agencies.

What happens next?

Council voted to receive the public meeting report and the comments provided by delegates.

Staff were directed to prepare a future recommendation report after reviewing public comments and feedback from Township departments and external agencies.

Additional public engagement, including a possible open house, may occur before the recommendation report returns to Council.

No date for a final decision was established during the meeting.

Source: Township of Scugog Planning and Community Affairs Committee meeting minutes, June 15, 2026.