The Town of Espanola is expanding its footprint for development in the south end of town.
Espanola council met yesterday to discuss two motions to expand residential land by rezoning from rural to residential allowing for new builds over the next 25 years.
Engineers J L Richards completed a major study of the land located between the Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre on McKinnon Drive and the Queensway Avenue as part of the Espanola Official Plan Boundary Expansion project.
Council approved the motions that will see around 16 hectares of rural land redesignated for residential use including single-family units, duplexed, town or row housing and possible apartment buildings.
It was pointed out that the population of Espanola is expected to expand to over 6,500 people by 2051 with an associated household increase of over 3,500 residences.
The first part of the plan is to see 100 new homes built by 2028.
Council pointed out that residents will be kept informed of the development proposals as they are brought forward.
