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 500 metres of the subject property. She summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to redesignate and rezone a portion of the property to Tourist Commercial and Recreation Commercial (C3) to permit a two phased Country Inn development on the property with on-site guest services. The first phase will include a country estate building with approximately 14 guest rooms, manager's apartment and a conference/event facility and three small two bedroom cottages to assist with demand for accommodations. The second phase will include the construction of a lodge with guest rooms and conference rooms. Ms. Rea summarized documents submitted in support of the application, as detailed in her report. The application conforms to the Growth Plan and is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. Ms. Rea stated that the applicant is requesting an Official Plan Amendment to permit the use and, for further clarity, is requesting a Special Policy Area be applied to introduce and confirm the Country Inn use and definition. The balance of the property will remain rural and, through confirmation of a scoped Environmental Impact Statement, environmentally protected areas will be further protected by an increased buffering area. The Zoning By-law Amendment will clarify the proposed use and an Exception Zone may be required to address any additional ancillary uses and/or site specific development standards. Ms. Rea stated that staff are recommending that the development area only be subject to site plan control through the use of a Holding (H) provision to address the details of development. She summarized comments received to date, as detailed in her report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report, several additional comments were received and circulated to Committee, with the majority in support of the application. Staff also responded to an inquiry from Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and confirmed that the proposed development is not located within 300 metres of a watercourse, correspondence was received from Bridgestone Racing Academy in support of the application and the City's Engineering and Corporate Assets Department advised they have no concerns but will provide further comment during site plan stage regarding the entrance off of Ski Hill Road. Ms. Rea responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Kent Randall of EcoVue Consulting Inc. stated that they are in support of the recommendations made in the staff report and introduced Deborah Kiezebrink. Ms. Kiezebrink stated that she is the owner of the Nestleton Waters Inn, a 10 suite bed and breakfast currently operating in the City. She advised that they are looking for an opportunity to expand their business and make it a viable year round business to fill the need for expanded accommodations in the area. Ms. Kiezebrink stated that they work with many small businesses in the area on events and she is confident those partnerships will continue. She stated that they have been searching for a suitable property that is large enough to offer privacy and closeness to nature. Ms. Kiezebrink and Mr. Randall responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Dr. Jules Sobrian countered some of the objections made by Randy Chamberlain and Donna Querengesser with regard to the proposed country inn. He outlined the topography of the lots and stated that the proposed ponds will only serve to enhance wildlife habitat, that this is not a high density facility being proposed and that it should not impede the scenic view enjoyed by neighbours. Dr. Sobrian stated that well water is drawn from underground aquifers and the development will not negatively affect the water supply for any adjoining properties.
Tom Bent, a local farmer, expressed concern that his property will be restricted from building additional livestock facilities because of the development on this property. He expressed further concern regarding trespassing, noise, water supply and increased risk of fires in the dry season. Mr. Bent stated that they spread manure, spray crops, harvest and plant as part of their regular agricultural operations and that these activities are not compatible with the country inn use. He requested that a statement of agricultural practices be attached to the proposal so both current and future owners recognize adjacent agricultural uses. Mr. Bent responded to questions from Committee members.
Randy Chamberlain stated that he and Ms. Querengesser purchased their property four years ago in search of a peaceful rural property to eventually build on with a high view of water and other scenic views. At that time, he stated that he was assured by both the conservation authority and the City that no development could take place in the area. He stated that he and his wife have a motorhome parked on the property that they stay in on weekends and that, although heavy equipment is heard during the daytime hours, evenings are quiet and peaceful. He expressed concern that the proposed development will scare off the many deer who frequent the area. Ms. Querengesser stated that she does not feel the development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. She stated that the proposed development is not appropriate for the size of the property and expressed concern over servicing issues and the potential merging of the two lots in future. Mr. Chamberlain and Ms. Querengesser requested that a full noise study be done, that all wetlands in the area be evaluated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and that the notice circulation area be expanded. They responded to questions from Committee members.
Robert Denton, a local resident, stated that he does not want to tolerate this type of development twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He expressed concern regarding incompatibility with agricultural operations, privacy, noise, water supply and increased potential for fires in the dry season.
Elizabeth Peeters, a resident of Omemee, stated that she lives on an active farm and understands the concerns of the agricultural community. She noted that the Kiezebrinks currently operate Nestleton Waters Inn which is also located in a farming area. She stated that the types of people seeking this venue will be looking for sedate events in a country setting. Ms. Peeters stated that she feels the proposed development would be an asset to the community of Omemee and could bring additional business and support to local vendors.
Councillor Martin stated that the current zoning on the subject property allows uses such as a grain plant and agricultural operation, both uses that are far noisier than what is being proposed. She stated that as Part of Omemee Downtown Revitalization Project she is very aware of the need for development such as this to bring people to the Omemee area and to serve all of the City of Kawartha Lakes. She stated that she strongly supported the application.
David Ross stated that he owns land to south of the subject property and that he is generally in favour of the proposal and he did not want to see a quarry or pit operation or any wind turbines. He did express concerns regarding noise and light pollution and suggested that a curfew should be imposed on outdoor activities. Mr. Ross expressed concern regarding future use of the property should it be sold and requested that a restriction be placed on the rezoning to limit development by subsequent owners. He stated that he was concerned with the impact the development will have on local real estate values and taxes for adjacent property owners.
Helen Hutchin stated that she grew up and attended school in the area and that there were few local opportunities for students to find learning opportunities in the hotel and tourism industry. She stated that the proposed development represents enhanced local opportunities for both students and people working in this industry.
Kent Randall of EcoVue Consulting Inc. stated that they will take today's comments into consideration. He advised that the proposed development is not near any environmentally protected lands and that the Scoped Environmental Impact Study is being reviewed by the proper agencies. Mr. Randall stated that in his professional opinion there is sufficient justification for the proposal under the Official Plan, noting that a site specific zoning will be applied to the property. He responded to questions from Committee members.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The meeting recessed at 2:30 p.m and reconvened at 2:35 p.m.