Norfolk advances Riverfront Lands for the future

Norfolk County is taking steps to make five riverfront parcels of land on the eastern edge of downtown Simcoe, located on Pond Street and Argyle Street, available for redevelopment.

Since issuing a submission of interest in 2021 to explore potential use for these properties, Norfolk County has continued to investigate their future. Based on the results of studies, the County is moving forward with changes to the Official Plan and rezoning, aiming to establish new possibilities and uses for the sites which could help as a catalyst for continued downtown revitalization.

Following these changes, options for the Pond Street location will include the adaptive re-use of the existing buildings on site for a range of downtown uses, such as retail, service, office, institutional, cultural and commercial space. Residential use is not possible under current conditions as future studies and site work may be required to consider flooding and other site constraints. The Argyle Street property is intended to be positioned to allow for needed apartment development near the downtown, along with the potential to reserve some public parking spaces. This land use update will help imagine the possibilities of these sites that could bring new people and housing to support and grow businesses and community.

Background

The site at 89 Pond Street was once home to the thriving Mitt and Glove Co., a key part of the County’s broader textile network. The 19th-century brick building has served various purposes over the years, including hosting community and seniors’ groups and creative industries.

Across the river, the Argyle Street property presents a significant opportunity for new development. Located near downtown Simcoe, the site is connected to the trail network and offers scenic views of the river.

These properties were highlighted in a 2021 submission of interest as opportunities for adaptive reuse of the land. The goal was to receive development proposals that aligned with key principles established with the Downtown Simcoe BIA:

• Generate jobs and economic activity
• Provide shared cultural spaces
• Retain public access to waterfront and green space
• Contribute to business or housing options
• Conserve elements of historical buildings
• Align with sustainable and climate adaptation goals
• Build connections to the downtown core
• Establish landmark urban design standards

While no submissions moved forward at the time, these principles continue to guide the future use of the lands. The current permissions are very limited for these properties which require the land use to be updated to allow for future businesses and housing. The County has retained a 3rd party, Fotenn Consultants, to assist with the applications. At this point, no decision on any sale of the lands has been made.

Next steps

Members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw through a Public Hearing Committee meeting scheduled for February 4, 2025. To subscribe to updates and learn more about the Riverfront Lands project, visit engageNorfolk.ca/Riverfront.