McIntosh Run Development

Project Description
A large tract of land (approximately 250 acres) currently zoned Holding has been identified for infill development. About 50 percent of the property is within the existing service boundary. The site has frontage on watercourses, identified by resident groups as sensitive. A large portion of the serviceable area is exposed granite bedrock with little or no vegetation. Streets providing access to the property tend to be undersized with inadequate services for the proposed future expansion. The development requires a rezoning and contract development agreement with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Issues such as environmental impact, servicing, access, school capacity and traffic impacts off site would have to be addressed.

Services Provided
Terrain Group was retained to provide surveying and planning services. Prior to undertaking concept planning, the site was extensively mapped by engineering and planning staff using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology to identify features which could be deemed sensitive or unique. Concept plans were developed in consultation with the client and HRM staff. Meetings were held with resident groups and the general public to gather public input in refining the concepts. Servicing concepts including water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage were prepared and reviewed by HRM and Halifax Regional Water Commission (HRWC) staff. Terrain Group planning staff worked with HRM staff to develop a draft development agreement.