In a key decision that will impact the growth and development of Kemptville, the North Grenville council has granted a one-year extension for the draft plan approval of the Oxford Village subdivision. This marks the third extension for the project since its original approval in March 2017. The extension is crucial as work begins on a new municipal well that will serve the subdivision and future developments in the area.

Oxford Village: A Major Development for Kemptville

The Oxford Village subdivision, located at County Road 43 and Somerville Road, is a massive undertaking led by LA Group CEO Gilles Brisebois. With 398 planned dwellings, the project will significantly expand housing options in Kemptville, featuring a diverse mix of housing types including townhouses, apartments, and single-family homes. Brisebois explained to the council that due to the scale of the project, the development process is lengthy and complex.

“The development process is long and vigorous, and with the magnitude of this project, it takes time to be thoroughly addressed,” Brisebois remarked during a recent council meeting. The extension granted by the council allows the project to move forward as crucial infrastructure work continues.

Progress on the New Municipal Well

One of the most important milestones for the Oxford Village subdivision is the construction of a new municipal well. Amy Martin, the Director of Planning and Development for North Grenville, confirmed that construction on the well has already begun, with a building permit issued in January and Fuller Construction handling the work.

This well is part of a larger infrastructure plan that includes a wastewater treatment plant, both of which are essential for providing water to Oxford Village and supporting future developments in the area. The well is expected to be completed by July, marking a major step forward for the subdivision.

“The well is being completely front-ended by the developer,” said Martin, adding that an agreement will be in place to credit back the works that are being constructed. The well, once operational, will serve what is known as the northwest quadrant of North Grenville, including County Road 43.

Challenges and Setbacks

While progress is being made, Brisebois acknowledged that the project is slightly behind schedule, largely due to delays in securing servicing agreements. “We were hoping to start servicing in late fall, but through no fault of anyone, it’s been delayed,” Brisebois said. However, the developer remains optimistic that the project will pick up pace, with plans to go to tender for servicing in March.

A Unique Housing Offering for Kemptville

The Oxford Village subdivision will bring a variety of housing options to Kemptville, many of which are unique to the area. The first phase of the development will include 44 back-to-back townhouses, 183 townhouses, 72 apartments, and nine single-family homes. According to Brisebois, this mix of housing is not something currently seen elsewhere in Kemptville, making Oxford Village a standout development in the region.

In addition to the diverse housing offerings, Brisebois also plans to gift a 40-acre wetland on the property to the Municipality of North Grenville. This generous donation will provide a valuable ecological resource for the community and further solidify LA Group‘s commitment to sustainable and responsible development.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Oxford Village

As the development of Oxford Village moves forward, the focus for the next six months will be on securing necessary servicing agreements and infrastructure to keep the project on track. Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman expressed his excitement about the project, noting the visible progress made so far. “It’s exciting to see the work that’s been done,” he said. “I drive by there all the time.”

Brisebois emphasized that while the project has faced some delays, he is confident that once the necessary agreements are in place, things will move swiftly. “As Mother Nature allows, we’ll continue,” he stated, indicating that progress will be contingent on weather conditions as the project heads into the final stages of securing servicing.

Once completed, Oxford Village will be a significant addition to the Kemptville landscape, offering new housing options and state-of-the-art infrastructure. For residents and future homeowners, the subdivision represents an exciting opportunity to live in a thriving and growing community.