Developer FRAM+Slokker’s plans for residential development near Orillia’s waterfront will soon come to fruition, with construction on 24 townhomes along Lightfoot Drive slated to begin later this month.
The three-storey townhomes are part of the developer’s broader plans to bring development to the 70 Front St. N. property, with 40 additional townhomes and an eight-storey, mixed use building planned for future phases in the coming years.
The project is broken down into four phases, as follows:
- The north block, consisting of 24 three-storey townhomes with an internal street and parking area;
- The central block, consisting of 15 townhomes with an internal street and parking area;
- The south block, consisting of 25 townhomes;
- The south building block, consisting of an eight-storey, mixed-use building with 97 residential units, four live-work units, and ground-level retail space.
The city recently executed a development agreement and granted site plan approval for the first phase of the project, permitting FRAM+Slokker to move forward with the 24 townhome north block development.
“It is anticipated that building permits will be issued and unit construction will commence in the latter part of July 2024,” said a recent memo from city staff.
Earlier this year, as they awaited final approval for the north block, FRAM+Slokker officials told OrilliaMatters they expect the first phase of townhomes to be completed over a 10-12 month timeframe.
Developers needed to complete environmental investigation and remediation work, a record of site condition, and more as part of the approval process for the first phase of homes, which city staff said will also be required for subsequent phases of the project.
The development plans will bring more than just housing to the waterfront area, said Mayor Don McIsaac, who listed numerous benefits of FRAM+Slokker’s plans.
“This development isn't just about construction; it's about the remediation and redevelopment of a brownfield site right in our downtown, connecting the downtown to our waterfront, expanding the tax base and helping to alleviate the overall tax burden on our residents. It is also creating more housing close to downtown, which is very important to me as we need more housing,” the mayor told OrilliaMatters earlier this year.
