The Chair requested staff to advise on the manner of giving notice for the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments. He also asked staff to briefly describe the proposal and summarize the correspondence, if any, received to date.
Ms. Rea confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 500m, and a sign was posted on the subject property. She summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to recognize the occurring value-added uses, on-farm diversified uses and agri-tourism uses on the farm including a bed and breakfast and wedding event venue. The application conforms to the Growth Plan, however consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement cannot be established at this time until comments have been received from all City Departments and commenting agencies. Ms. Rea summarized the various submitted studies, and public comments received to date, as detailed in her report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report additional comments were received from Dave and Sara Miller, of 1037 Gray Road, expressing opposition to the application due to noise concerns. Donna Querengesser also requested additional material which was forwarded to her. Finally, the Agricultural Division of the City's Economic Development Division requested a review of the Minimum Distance Separations (MDS) calculations submitted by the applicant. Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff for further review. Ms. Rea and Ms. Elmhirst responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Stephen Bedford of Stephen Bedford Consulting spoke as the applicant an on behalf of the property owner. He supported the application by presenting an overview including current uses, Provincial Policy Statement, Culinary Tourism, Agri-Tourism, relation to the Kawartha Lakes Strategic Plan, Vision for the Ironhorse Ranch, economic benefits to the community, and the applicable OMAFRA guidelines. Overall he stated that the proposed uses are within the current provincial guidelines, and that the application represents good planning. A copy of his presentation is available in the Clerk's Office. He responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Greg Watson, of 785 Highway 7A, stated that they live in the farm located across the road from the application. He stated that they don't have a problem with the proposed uses and are supportive of the application.
Elaine Clark, operator of Mike Clark Excavating at 840 Highway 7A, stated that their business is near the north west corner of the property and that she supported the proposal.
Mike Perry, President of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the Chamber's behalf and expressed support for the application. He stated that there is neighbourhood support and that the Chamber's perspective is that Agri-tourism opportunities like this support Economic Development in the broader community.
Aaron Young, President of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery, stated that the application will support their product at Ironhorse Ranch. He stated that their events will be a massive benefit for the community, and local businesses he is involved in, like the Days Inn in Lindsay, will benefit.
Brenda Wood, Executive Director of Regional Tourism Organization 8, stated that the application will provide a tremendous asset that benefit Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, and Northumberland, and that they fully support the proposal.
Beverley Williams, owner of Williams Design Studio at 1470 Highway 7A, gave a brief description of her involvement within the Bethany area and tourism and culture development in the area. She stated that the application will support cultural development in the area and that she has hosted events at the location. She expressed no concerns with bathrooms, parking, or noise, and supported the application.
Jessica Foote, operator of Lunar Rhythm Gardens at 235 Gray Road noted that she has worked with Mr. Sutcliffe in the past, and strongly supports the application. She noted that Ironhorse ranch supports her local farming business by providing opportunities to supply food to caterers, and support her income as a farmer, and of others in the community.
Paul Richardson, of 415 Highway 35 in Pontypool, owns a tree nursery in the area, and he provided a brief historical context of a development like this in the Manvers area. He stated that what Mr. Sutcliffe is doing is a good thing for the area, as it supports his business by being able to supply products like berry bushes. He felt it is important to teach people how farms work and that this will attract people to move into the area.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The Public Meeting concluded at 2:20 p.m.