Subdivision will save trees

Up to 60 per cent of the trees on forested land to be developed as a subdivision in Stratford, P.E.I. will be saved under a sustainable plan.

A new 16-hectare subdivision was approved by town council last week. The development plan is radically different from the standard clear cut and leveling of most subdivisions.

"After the project is complete 60 per cent of the trees will be saved. 100 per cent of the wetland will be preserved," said Mayor David Dunphy.

"Fifty per cent of the land will be public or green space at the end, and normally that's about 10 per cent."

Located along the Trans-Canada Highway next to the industrial park, Forest Trail is one of the last forested parcels of land up for development in the town. It will include 42 semi-detached homes and 71 townhouses.

Developer Roger Balderston thinks this could be a new green template for other subdivisions across the Island.

"This is sort of the benchmark and we're going to go from here," said Balderson.

"Hopefully, it will all turn out. It appears to be quite positive (among) everyone who has seen it so far."

Balderston said he could break ground on the development as early as this spring.