A housing and commercial project proposed in Rothesay is drawing uncertainty from residents, especially those living near the site.
Many are worried about flooding, infrastructure and how the town’s character could change.
The plan would add nearly 1,300 residential units, along with retail space over 20 years on land near Millennium Drive, Campbell Drive and Wedgewood Drive.
RELATED: Nearly 1,300 units proposed in Rothesay mixed-use development
It includes townhouses, single-family homes and four-storey buildings with shops and services. The development would be built in five phases.
Nearby resident flags flooding risk
Nick Landry, a professional engineer residing on Wedgewood Drive, stated that the land behind his home, where phase five is planned, is already very wet and poorly drained.
He told council he deals with basement flooding every spring and believes the development could make it worse.
“When my wife and I first walked the land behind our home, it was extremely wet,” Landry said.
“The designated wetland doesn’t show the full picture. The ground is flat, the soil doesn’t drain well, and my backyard is unusable until mid-summer.”
He warned that building up the land with fill could push water onto neighbouring properties, which is not allowed under development rules.
“I don’t see how phase five can happen without causing runoff,” he said.
Landry also said the project could lower property values and remove trees that border his yard.
Suggesting a step-by-step approach
Instead of approving the entire project at once, Landry recommended council review each phase separately.
“Phase one should be built first, with infrastructure and drainage plans submitted and reviewed,” he said.
“Then council can assess how it performs before moving to phase two.”
He said this approach would protect existing homeowners and allow for adjustments as the project unfolds.
Landry also spoke about Rothesay’s identity as a small town.
“Rothesay has a bit of a charm — being a community with small businesses and single-family homes,” he said.
“I don’t know how this would affect that or if that would change.”
He added that while the proposal was well presented, the scale of the development could set a precedent for future high-density projects.
Other uncertainty from residents
At the public meeting on Monday, residents raised questions about whether Rothesay’s roads, sewer systems and emergency services can handle the growth.
Some cited unaffordable costs for municipal water extensions, while others asked about clear-cutting and long-term construction disruption.
Millennium Drive was described as narrow and lacking sidewalks or bike lanes. Several residents said the town’s infrastructure may not be equipped to support the added population.
Some attendees liked the ideas of the project, saying Rothesay needs more housing and walkable communities. Others worried it could change the town’s small-community feel.
Developer says growth is needed
Urban planner Greg Zwicker, who represents the developer, said the project is designed to support Rothesay’s future.
“If we stay stagnant, that puts a lot of weight on the remaining residents to pay for everything,” Zwicker said.
“This brings housing choice to the community.”
He said the design includes walkable features and will be updated based on feedback from town staff and engineers.
Written feedback on the proposal closed July 16. Rothesay council is expected to vote on the development agreement at its meeting on August 11.
