Planning Begins for Major New Community on Former Hospital Lands Central Elgin has taken a major step toward the future with Council’s approval of the Vision and Guiding Principles for the redevelopment of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands. The plan lays the foundation for a vibrant, mixed-use community designed to support the municipality’s anticipated residential and employment growth. “This is an important moment for Central Elgin,” says Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We have a unique opportunity to proactively shape the future of a significant piece of land in our community and create a mixed-use, complete community.” Fueling the need for long-term planning is the incoming Volkswagen EV battery manufacturing plant, set to open in 2027. The plant is expected to create up to 3,000 direct jobs and as many as 30,000 indirect jobs throughout the region. Central Elgin’s proximity to this facility positions it as a key player in accommodating the resulting population and housing demand. “By starting the planning process now,” explains Mayor Sloan, “we can ensure that development on this site aligns with Council’s goals for sustainable, inclusive, and well-serviced communities.” The redevelopment will focus on affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, incorporating a wide range of housing options,
a vibrant main street, and spaces that promote walkability, active transportation, and environmental stewardship. The new neighbourhood is envisioned as a transit-ready, compact, and connected community that both respects the site’s history and embraces the future. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the development of what will become a distinct community, one that could eventually nearly double Central Elgin’s current population,” says Mayor Sloan. “What I’m most excited about is that this isn’t just about building housing. We envision a neighbourhood where families and people of all ages can enjoy walkable streets, public parks, and a mixed-use main street.” Community engagement will play a central role in the process, with open houses, pop-up sessions, and stakeholder meetings planned for this fall. The former hospital lands redevelopment is more than just a housing project; it’s a bold vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving community that will help shape the next chapter of Central Elgin’s growth. “Our goal is to create a neighbourhood that reflects the values, needs, and vision of the entire community,” Mayor Sloan concludes. Residents can follow progress and sign up for updates at www.letstalkcentralelgin.ca.
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