Honda, New Tecumseth to partner on wildlife habitat as legacy project

Posted February 10, 2025​

 

A town-owned parcel of land on Boyne Street ​in north end Alliston has been identified as a potential "signficant wildlife habitat" developed in partnership with Honda, which is looking to offset environmental impacts of its $15 billion expansion, "in order to ensure a net zero impact on ecological features and functions."

 

Partnering with the municipality is in part a result of the Ford government's changes that stripped conservation authorities of such jurisdictions to speed residential development approvals.​

​

Among the requirements for a considered location is not suitable for development, encumbered by drainage and stormwater management.

 

"Town staff are currently working with Honda on their highly anticipated electric vehicle and battery plant development. Certain environmental considerations may become necessary to advance development. Staff are proactively seeking to establish best practices to achieve sustainable and net zero impacts on our Natural Heritage System," said Kaitlyn Cosgrove New Tecumseth's Manager of Strategic Initiatives in her report to council on tonight's agenda. "This innovative approach is outside the scope of typical mitigation measures included in site plan agreements. ....... Town staff are also looking to enhance encumbered Town-owned lands to develop significant wildlife habitat. This initiative is a result of provincial legislation changes (Bill 23 and Bill 185) that reduced Conservation Authorities' roles, leaving municipalities to protect a number of Natural Heritage features and functions."

​

​

​

​

​

​