Riverfront homes raise concerns

Riverfront homes raise concerns
A swanky Cape Cod-style development at the mouth of the Pefferlaw River got a rough ride from environmentalists and neighbouring residents last week. Everglades Marina owners want to build 45 homes on the 15-acre site critics charge is a sensitive wetland. While not fronting directly on the river, the homes would have river and lake access by way of excavated channels, planning consultant Michael Smith told council. The proposal would also see the homes served by private communal water and sewage systems and a private road. The plan is to build "upscale Cape Cod or New England-style units", Mr. Smith said. There would be no docks on the river itself, which would be protected by a natural buffer. The developer has to meet tough conditions considering the potential environmental impacts, town planner Denis Beaulieu said, calling the area "problematic" with a high water table and wetland characteristics. To build, the site would require extensive de-watering and fill, he said. Margaretha Vandervelden of the