Northern Springwater has Elmvale with its main street shops and businesses, but there's nothing comparable in the southern part of the township.
Not yet.
But they're working on it.
The township has earmarked the Hasty Tract, 50 acres of land on the northwest corner of Bayfield Street and Snow Valley Road, as a community hub.
Mayor Don Allen envisions the corner becoming the gateway to Springwater while preserving trees and respecting Indigenous concerns.
"I see it as being a congregating place for recreation, sports, a bit of commercial - unique commercial, where you could go by bike or walk or car. One of the libraries will be moving to that hub, and there'll be a community or rec centre."
Allen says these amenities will be needed with 3,000 homes being built in the next ten years on land west of the site.
There's also talk of moving the municipal offices, as well as new fire and paramedic stations.
"That is such a huge parcel of land that you could do just about anything there. It's going to be very much a public area that's going to really want to be a good first impression for people coming into Springwater. It will be the central focus of the township and a gathering place for all residents."
But there is still much work to be done.
Consultants are gathering public input. There have already been two opportunities. There are three more:
- May 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elmvale Sales Barn Mother's Day Market
- May 18, there's a virtual public engagement workshop from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Click here to register.
- May 26, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Midhurst Community Centre
- May 27, final session and movie night at the Anten Mills Community Centre
Anyone unable to attend the sessions can fill out an online survey.
feature image via Google Street View
