Stratford condo project must guard stream

A town councillor in Stratford, P.E.I. says he will keeping a close eye on a new condominium development to ensure a local stream isn't disturbed.

Council voted Wednesday to approve the 25- unit, townhouse-style condominium development, to be known as Cameron Heights. Marshall MacPherson Ltd. will build it on 1.2 hectares of land at the corner of the Stratford and Kinlock roads.

"It's a major development. We're looking at four million dollars in a development in that area," said Gary Clow, chair of the town's planning committee.

The condos are selling for between $140,000 and $170,000.

Wetland protected

Not all the land will be developed. Nearly a third of the property is considered environmentally sensitive. Ducks and other wildlife make their home in this section of the land, which also includes a winding stream.

Coun. Patrick Ross said it will be a tricky job.

"Sometimes when you have a lot of fill coming into an area it sometimes can alter the flow of the water," said Ross.

"When you have that flow that's been there for a long time it has its own natural ways and it affects the environment in a certain way."

The development plan calls for a clear buffer zone that contractors have to obey. Ross said he drives by that land every day on his way to work and he promised to keep a close eye on the project as it progresses.

Stratford has been P.E.I.'s largest growing community, council heard Wednesday that growth is only coming faster. Building permits are up this year compared to the same period last year, and there are predictions that it will be a record year for construction.