A development two decades in the making is finally taking shape in Kemptville. Oxford Village, a project by LA Group, is gearing up to break ground on its first homes this fall. Situated on a sprawling 110-acre property off County Road 43, directly across from Somerville Road, Oxford Village is set to offer between 1,500 and 2,000 housing units, promising to transform the local landscape.

The Vision Behind Oxford Village

Gilles Brisebois, the CEO of LA Group, recently invited the Kemptville Advance to tour the site and share his vision for the project. He revealed that Mattamy Homes, one of North America’s largest builders, is the primary contractor for Phase 1 of this ambitious development. “Mattamy has purchased approximately 300 lots, which will include single-family homes and townhouses,” Brisebois explained. “The goal is for construction to begin in late fall of this year, with occupancy expected in the summer of next year.”

Phase 1 is projected to consist of around 400 homes, including 99 single-detached dwellings, 183 townhouses, 44 back-to-back townhouses, and 72 apartments. To support this growing community, a new well and water treatment plant has already been constructed on-site at a cost of about $5 million, capable of servicing up to 5,000 homes.

Emphasizing Sustainability and Community

Brisebois outlined the broader vision for Oxford Village, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. A significant part of this plan includes a 40-acre parcel of protected wetland, which will be surrounded by a 10-acre buffer. This area will be donated to the Municipality of North Grenville, featuring educational lookout points and an extensive trail system designed to promote green space, cycling, and healthy lifestyles.

The development will also connect to the Tempo subdivision on the opposite side of Food Basics through an extension of De Pencier Drive. A future roundabout on County Road 43 will serve as the main entrance to the village, linking it directly to Somerville Road.

Brisebois anticipates that construction for Phase 2 will start next year. This phase will introduce a community hub, commercial spaces, a piazza, and various recreational amenities, aligning with his vision of a “15-minute community” where residents can walk or bike to all major amenities without congesting existing roadways. “That’s why we call it Oxford Village—it’s going to be a village of its own,” he added.

Addressing Housing Affordability

A key component of Brisebois’s vision is addressing the affordability crisis in housing. He aims to exceed the municipality’s target of 25% affordable housing in Phase 2. “In this climate of approval processes, the only way to achieve this is to increase the density and footprint of your homes,” he explained.

Oxford Village is expected to benefit the local community by creating new amenities and boosting the tax base, with a projected annual municipal tax revenue increase of $1.5 million for Phase 1. This development is poised to be the largest ever undertaken in Kemptville, bringing significant change to the area.

A Community-Driven Approach

Brisebois shared his personal connection to community planning, reflecting on his upbringing in Orleans, where he witnessed rapid development that led to congestion and a lack of infrastructure. “I don’t want that to happen to Kemptville,” he stated. “My vision for the road patterns and lifestyle is to ensure we create a community where people can truly live.”

With Oxford Village, LA Group aims not only to create a thriving residential area but also to foster a sense of community, sustainability, and long-term growth. As the first homes prepare to break ground this fall, the excitement around this transformative project continues to grow, promising a bright future for Kemptville residents.

As Oxford Village begins its journey, it stands as a testament to thoughtful development that prioritizes both community needs and environmental sustainability. Keep an eye on this dynamic project as it unfolds, and be part of the exciting changes coming to Kemptville!