Mayor Steve Hammell called the public meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. He stated that the purpose of the public meeting was to consider a proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for Caley’s Grain Inc. c/o Jim Caley, Agent, Ron Davidson Land Use Planning Consultant Inc. The property is located on Concession 4 of Arran.
Megan Stansfield, Planner for the County of Bruce, presented her report.
The purpose of the Zoning By-Law Amendment application is to amend the current 'A1-26-2024' zoning of the retained parcel by reducing the 'minimum lot area' requirement for an agricultural lot in the 'A1' zone to 37.88 hectares. The Amendment would also change the current 'A1-26-2024' zoning of the severed parcel to 'A1'. The zoning by-law amendment is required to facilitate the severance of a non-farm residential parcel, from the agricultural lands. A non-farm residential parcel was severed from the original crown lot, earlier this year. The property is designated Rural in the County Official Plan, so is not subject to the standard ‘surplus farm dwelling severance’ requirements.
Comments were received from the following agencies:
- Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office: No comments received, but the property is within an area of high archaeological potential; an archaeological assessment is required as a condition of consent.
- Municipality of Arran-Elderslie: Parkland Dedication will be required
- Bruce County Transportation: No comment
- Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority: A portion of the retained property is within the SVCA Approximate Screening Area, however no development is proposed, so an SVCA permit is not required. Comments provided in full below.
- Hydro One: No comments or concerns.
- Town of Saugeen Shores: No comments.
The Mayor asked Members of Council if they had any questions.
Council had no further questions.
The Mayor asked if the applicant or agent were present and wished to make a submission. Ron Davidson, planner for the applicant noted that this does conform to the Official Plan and is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. These lands are rural rather than in the agricultural designation. There has already been a surplus farm dwelling severed from these lands and are allowed to sever a second lot. There is a large separation distance from this proposed lot and any farm uses at this time. The setback depends on what type of farm operation is built.
The Mayor asked if any members of the public wished to make a submission either in favour or opposed to the proposed application.
Dave Lyness owns the properties on both sides of this farm. He does not agree with all the severances and feels that there is not an area for a good entrance.
Jan Hartman asked if this severance would affect her property taxes.
The Mayor asked the Clerk if any written submissions had been received. The Clerk confirmed that she had not received any correspondence regarding this proposal.
Members of Council and the public were provided a final opportunity for questions prior to the closing of the public meeting. Council had concerns regarding the potential entrance and sight lines.
The Mayor declared the public meeting closed at 9:33 a.m.