Officials with Black Bear Ridge say it's a big step forward in their plans to build a fully-serviced resort area and thousands of houses in Thurlow.

A special event was held at the golf course (on Harmony Road) today to reveal that the Minister's Zoning Order (MZO) request for the project has been approved.

President and Managing Partner of Black Bear Ridge Alex Sharpe says this is a key step in their plan to provide "new places, spaces and jobs for the community along with a range of housing options".

He says they will now engage in a consultation process with their neighbours, the community, and city departments while they develop a Draft Plan for the project.

Sharpe expects that will be submitted to the city by the end of 2023, with shovels to hopefully be in the ground (for infrastructure work) in early 2024.

Mayor Mitch Panciuk says "This is a very exciting day for the City of Belleville. This 1.54 billion dollar mixed-use concept will add so much to our city and the region as a whole".

Plans for the site include resort accommodations with a spa, restaurant, and clubhouse, and expansion of recreational space to include hiking and winter activities like skating and cross-country skiing.

The residential component includes 3,000 homes which will be woven through the natural elements of the area.

The site has 200 acres currently allocated to the golf course, but an additional 700 acres that aren't currently being used.