When I grew up in Woodstock, it was an established fact that the area north of Pittock Lake included a Thames River (UTRCA) conservation area and the Oxford Regional Centre. While the ORC closed about 15 years ago (1996?) and is now both a subdivision (Alder Grange) of new homes and a wonderful indoor/outdoor soccer complex (Cowan Park) on the east side, and a golf course and subdivision (Sally Creek) on the west side of Highway 59, the most remarkable transformation is the one currently underway where Summit Crescent meets the 13th Line. Senator Homes, which is a very large home-building developer based in North York, is now beginning its promotion of the Havelock Corners neighbourhood. This new subdivision is debuting and is not merely a collection of homes, but a vast development of 241 (correct) seperate lots, plus space for an additional 48 bungalow/ranch townhouses (One could imagine they would be condos). A fairly significant park is also planned for the area -- I would guess similar to what is seen now at William Grey Park adjoining the homes on Leinster and Gladstone.
Since everything today seems to be online, you should check out: http://www.senatorhomes.com/havelock/havelock-siteplan.pdf.
According to the company website, the four model homes already built are open for viewing Monday - Friday, 2 - 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, noon - 6 p.m.
What is interesting is that all homes fronting on the 13th Line on both sides of the road will certainly remain as they are and many of those lots are an acre or more. Any modification of those properties will only occur as services arrive (municipal water and sewers) and severances are permitted.
Meanwhile, the new Senators Homes subdivision will feature as few as just 4 brand new houses with frontage on the 13th. All the residences on the north perimeter would back on to Oxford Road 17 and not, therefore, have frontage on this artery which travels east past the Woodstock Meadows golf course and ends where it does today at Oxford Road 4.
Since this is my space, and I can offer opinion, I believe there are too many 36-foot frontage lots. Woodstock is not the GTA. Is land such a premium in this area obviously evolving into residential from its previous farming use. The flip side of that, as it to quickly contradict myself, with so much valuable and productive farmland on the north side of Oxford Road 17, the agriculture conscience says we need to preserve our crop land and one way to do that is to build relatively dense subdivisions.
If you want more details on these lots, and costs associated with building here, don't hesitate to call me.
If you're curious about more local history, Google: 'Oxford Regional Centre Woodstock' or visit the plaque that has been built on Lakeview Drive.
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