The Chair requested staff to advise on the manner of giving notice for the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment. He also asked staff to briefly describe the proposal and summarize the correspondence, if any, received to date.
Mr. Harding confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 500 metres, and that a sign was posted on the subject property. He summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to change the zone category on a portion of the property in order to permit an approximately 600 square metre truss manufacturing facility. The shop is proposed as a secondary use to the farm operation. A reduction in the number of required parking spaces for the business is sought, along with some alterations to other general provisions. Review of the application for consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement, and conformity to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Kawartha Lakes Official Plan is still ongoing. Mr. Harding summarized the comments received to date, as detailed in his report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report additional concerns were received from the following individuals:
- J. Goudie
- G. Statrosta; and
- J. Putnins
He summarized their concerns stating that they mostly dealt with the placement of the facility, scale of manufacturing, loss of agricultural land, strain to the existing road network, and questions about the planning justification report. He also noted a letter of support was received from A. Martin, and that no concerns were raised from the Agriculture Development Officer. He further stated that in response to the comments received about the ability of the road to accommodate the increased semi truck traffic, the Development Engineering Division is requesting a Traffic Impact Statement. Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff until such time as all comments have been received from all circulated agencies and City Departments, and for further review and processing. Mr. Harding and Ms. Sisson responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Emma Drake of D.M. Wills spoke as the applicant, and provided a summary of the application. She noted that the proposal is an on-farm diversified use secondary to the principle agricultural use on the property, and that the proposal will support the agricultural community by building roof trusses for agricultural buildings. She responded to the concerns raised stating that the building will maintain the rural character of the area, and setback from the property line, and that none of the concerns directly opposed the manufacturing of roof trusses. She noted that traffic increases would be minimal, and concurred that further analysis may be required, and hoped to see this come back to a meeting in the near future.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The public meeting concluded at 1:49p.m.