Former Atlas Block site Getting New Life

The Packet & Times

The former Atlas Block property is closer to becoming the site of residential and commercial developments.

The property's present zoning is "restricted industrial."

Titan Homes is looking to rezone the 9.5-acre property in three different ways to allow for the construction of 120 apartment units in the form of eight-storey buildings, 178 townhouses and future commercial uses.

"It would be our goal to use strong architectural control to make this gateway into Orillia a beautiful first impression for people coming into our city," Lawrence Saltzman, president of Titan Homes, told city politicians at Monday’s planning meeting.

The Atlas Block manufacturing plant ceased operations 18 months ago at that location. There are four or five vacant buildings on site, Saltzman said.

"Our goal is to create new employment through the commercial portion of this project," he said.

Orillia's official plan designates the property as a living area-intensification area.

Coun. Michael Fogarty thanked Titan Homes for its commitment to and investment in Orillia.

"This area is undergoing a character shift, a rejuvenation," he said. "This project is certainly going to speed that up and make this a very desirable neighbourhood compared to what it is now."

The rezoning application is expected to go forward to council April 2 after a 14-day consideration period.