Site Selection

There are many considerations when looking for a property for your project. It is often advisable to identify more than one property that should suit your needs and then to evaluate which property can offer the best results, overall.

EcoVue has considerable experience in locating and evaluating sites for development by our clients. We consider a number of criteria, including, but not limited to:

Location

• Is the site located in an area that can serve your purposes?
• Availability of entrance permits, especially in proximity to Provincial highways;
• What are the neighbouring land uses?
• Is there suitable road and pedestrian access to the site?
• Availability of transit service, if required

Size

• Does the site have adequate buildable area to support the planned development?

Acquisition cost

• What is the total cost of land relative to your pro forma?

Clear title/ownership

• Does the seller have clear title to the property?
• Are there any encumbrances, easements, or liens affecting the property?

Official Plan and Zoning

• Does the current zoning permit the proposed use, at the density required to make your project viable?

If a zoning change is required:

• Is there the potential to gain approvals to permit the proposed use?
• How long will it take?
• How much will it cost?
• Will detailed studies be required in support of the application for changes to the Zoning?

Servicing

• Availability of water and wastewater servicing (municipal, communal, private);

Former site uses

• Will previous uses require a Record of Site Condition or Stage I and/or Stage II Environmental Site Assessment?

Topography

• Do the natural contours support or hinder the planned development?
• Does the site drain naturally?
• Does the site provide topographic relief or views?

• Is the site within the jurisdiction of the local Conservation Authority?

Soil conditions

• Will the soil conditions adversely affect development costs?

Vegetation

• Does the site possess desirable mature vegetation?
• What percentage of the site is covered with vegetation?
• Does the municipality have a Tree-Cutting By-law?
• Will the municipality require a Tree Preservation Plan?
• If site vegetation is inadequate, what is the cost of importing landscape materials?