Caledonia to get new commercial plaza

Plans have gone ahead to build a commercial plaza on the north side of the tracks in Caledonia.

Just the facts:

? The plaza will be off of Argyle Street North and entry through Gypsum Avenue and would consist of 8,990 square metres of nine commercial buildings divided into 68 units.

? The property surrounds the rear of Grand River Veterinary Hospital, prompting representatives to communicate concerns that some businesses may not be compatible with their operation, which sometimes has dogs in the rear pens.

? Improvements to traffic infrastructure will be made. The site is planned for two driveways that will allow both left and right turns onto Gypsum Avenue at Argyle Street North. With a future neighbour being Caledonia's new fire and emergency services station, traffic signals will have to be put in and a pedestrian sidewalk extended in the future.

Three holding provisions have been placed to prevent any site plan alteration and development:

? While a first stage archeological assessment was done, the consultant recommended a more comprehensive study be completed.

? The developer wants to fill and excavate some land that is watercourse and floodplain to Seneca Creek, which runs into the Grand River. Designated Riverine Hazard Lands," the Grand River Conservation Authority only supports redefining hazard limits when a permit is obtained and the work is complete and verified in the field. Once the developer receives the permit verifying the limit of development, council will look at relaxing designation standards in "Riverside Hazard Lands," to make the area apt for development.

? The land is part of the Georgia Pacific site and home to Domtar, a drywall production plant that was undermined for gypsum, so as per recommendations from The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, a geotechnical study needs to be done to determine long-term stability of the mine and the setback distance required.