Presentation Transcript

1. Town of Annapolis Royal Residential Development Study Presenter: John Heseltine, MCIP Date:December 8, 2010
2. Town of Annapolis Royal MPS Planning Vision It is the intent of the Annapolis Royal plan to maintain and enhance the Town of Annapolis Royal’s heritage values and beauty; protect its small town character; nurture its economic, social and cultural environment; thereby enabling a rich quality of life for residents and guests to our community.
3. The Town of Annapolis Royal Comparison to Nova Scotia Towns Unique history and strong tourist attractions Smallest town in Nova Scotia (pop. 440) Not densely populated (25th of 31 NS towns) Smallest household size (1.3 persons is 31st) Highest uniform assessment per capita ($147,192 or 2.93 times the norm for towns) Average debt per capita ($868 or 89% of average for all towns)
4. Population Change, 2001-2006 Canadian Comparison Annapolis Royal losing 28% of assessment due to revaluation of Tidal Power Plant Annapolis Royal lost 19.3% of its population from 2001 to 2006 Of 1,901 communities with populations from 333 to 1,055 growth in Annapolis Royal ranks 1,859th Of 267 towns in this group, Annapolis Royal ranks 262nd in terms of growth
5. Population Change, 1901-2006 Annapolis Royal and Nova Scotia Towns
6. Age Composition, 2001-2006 Town of Annapolis Royal 55% 26% 51% 38% 18% 10%
7. Housing Characteristics Town of Annapolis Royal
8. Focus Group Assessment Causes of Population Loss Too far from major centres of population Long-term: Decline of resource industries and with them small towns and rural areas Mid-term: Loss of industries/jobs in region (Britex, Cornwallis) Recently: Changes in tourism and retailing, and aging of local population (loss of entrepreneurial energy)
9. Focus Group Assessment Failure to Sustain Success of 1980s Absence of population growth despite commercial revival Continued loss of jobs/population in surrounding area Changes in tourism and retailing Strengthening of Canadian dollar and the impact of the recession
10. Focus Group Assessment Potential of Environmental Tourism Upgrading of Interpretation Centre at Tidal Power Plant is encouraging Do not want to over-estimate prospects Tourism has changed: less family trips, decline in coach tours, rise of cruise ships, travel to more exotic locations
11. Focus Group Assessment Residential Mix Rental units, though numerous in the town, are not reliable or profitable Need for condominiums, perhaps in apartment structures Single family houses are easiest to build More proven market Easier to finance Single family subdivision under development but proceeding slowly
12. Focus Group Assessment Reasons for Lack of Development Lack of market, plentiful opportunities to buy existing homes in the area Shift of interest to new housing as opposed to restoration of traditional homes Lack of cost advantage for new housing in town versus other areas in Nova Scotia Town could be more welcoming and helpful but the benefits of planning are accepted
13. Additional Research Reasons for Lack of Development MPS and LUB are not unduly restrictive Residential development allowed in most zones Residential zones allow substantial scope for development with relatively simple process Senior government funding Assistance is strongly focused on affordable housing
14. Study Recommendations Potential Actions Develop a Housing Action Plan in the context of the MPS review Consider forming a Municipal Housing Corporation WDCL and New Dawn are models May want to join with other local municipalities Create a CEDIF to fund the proposed corporation
15. Study Recommendations Potential MPS Policy Amendment It shall be the policy of Council to encourage the development of appropriately zoned vacant and under-utilized lands for residential purposes. To achieve this purpose Council shall undertake the following: Investigate and pursue available funding sources that will assist the Town and/or developers with interest in Annapolis Royal to develop properties for residential purposes consistent with the policies of this plan. Establish a municipal housing corporation to market and develop properties for residential purposes consistent with the policies of this plan. Identify and market to appropriately qualified developers properties suitable for residential development within the town.
16. Study Recommendations Potential Actions Market land as the Town has begun to do Identify opportunity sites in MPS Package land for development Use covenants or planning regulations to induce development Encourage development of new housing types where opportunity arises Work to improve business climate, welcome development opportunities
17. Study Recommendations Potential Actions Reorient promotion of the community – not just a place to visit, a place to live Market on a budget Blend real estate promotion with tourism Continue to use Internet effectively Work with real estate community Exploit “earned media” opportunities Proceed prudently but get on with it Do not compromise quality
18. Residential Development Study Thank you – Stantec Consulting 102 – 40 Highfield Park Drive Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3A 0A3 Ph: 902-481-1477 Fax: 902-468-9009 john.heseltine@stantec.com