The purpose of the application is to is to amend the Zoning By-law. It is proposed to permit additional On-Farm Diversified uses for a maximum of three (3) farm vacation cabins, each with a maximum ground floor area of 56 square meters (m2) and a Nanobrewery.
If approved, the application would facilitate additional permitted uses for an existing On-Farm Diversified Use.
The subject property is located East of Lucknow, East of Paradise Lake St., and on the North side of Bruce Road 86.
The Planner explained the report and recommendation. Any comments received from Agencies and the Public received by the time of writing the report are in the written report. Additional comments received after this, were noted by the Planner and provided to Council for review.
The Planner noted that 5 public comments in support of the proposal had been received to date. Council was provided these comments to review.
Presentations from the Applicant
The applicant provided no additional comments on the application.
Presentations from the Public
Lloyd Graham, a property owner of farmlands neighboring the applicant's property, provided comments which were not in support of the proposal. The comments related to possible environmental impact from developing so near the environmentally protected zone; concerns regarding sewage or waste effluence from the proposed brewery or other spills which may impact on groundwater supply; increased traffic concerns and impact to noise levels.
Additional concerns were expressed that the properties guests may not be responsible in their recreational vehicle use, hunting practices, and that hikers on the property may trespass on other lands or cause break-ins or property damage to neighboring properties.
The Planner clarified that some comments expressed are not under the planning purview to address as they are enforcement related. According to current County policies, there is a requirement if within 30 meters of the watercourse for an environmental assessment to be completed. The Nanobrewery is proposed to be located as an addition to the current building and 116meters from the stream/municipal drain. The cabins are also proposed to be outside of the known hazard zone. Each cabin is intended to be mobile (not permanent) and would require a septic system, which would be monitored through the building code and issuance of building permits.
The planner confirmed that the by-law would permit a total of three cabins, and would bring the currently built cabin into conformity with zoning provisions.
Paul Buttinger, from Point Clark sent in a letter of support, and reviewed those key points to Council. The Key points included maintaining agricultural vitality in the region, allowing for generational transition and owner occupied land, creates employment opportunities for farm hands and other workers, promotes positive local tourism and the Township of Huron-Kinloss, continues to protect Environmentally protected lands and the capital funding for project is maintained in the Township. Buttinger remarked that it promotes a strong work ethic to see this type of development.
Questions and Clarifications from Council
Council discussed the merits of introducing agricultural lifestyle to more people, particularly those who have never had the opportunity to leave urban areas. Council noted that this type of business allows an area to showcase the rural lifestyle to politicians, advocacy groups, investors, businesses looking to relocate, and medical doctors and other professionals who may be interested in a less urban living environment.
Council inquired as to the expected occupancy of the cabins. The applicant is planning for a one bedroom cabin, and two two-bedroom cabins, with a total occupancy over all three cabins of ten individuals.