The regularly scheduled Council planning meeting on April 10 was a very long one, lasting nearly 3.5 hours. The meeting opened with Committee of Adjustment items to hear minor variance requests to zoning and planning amendments as a result of ongoing projects. These requests were handled quickly, with no comments from developers or members of the public, resulting in the motions being passed rather quickly.
When the planning part of the meeting began, there were only two properties to discuss. One was for a request to amend the zoning for 2180 River Road from Rural (RU) to Special Agriculture Kennel (SAK) to permit the establishment of a kennel business. The motion carried.
The meeting then moved into the second property under consideration – 4100 County Road 43, which was the subject of an article in last week’s issue of the Times. Amy Martin, the Municipality’s Director of Planning and Development, preceded her presentation by stating that no decisions would be made at the meeting. Rather, the meeting was designated as an opportunity for neighbours to voice their thoughts and concerns regarding the property. Director Martin then gave a detailed presentation of the site plan, and the intended future uses of the property. The developer would like to turn the property into a tourist hub and wedding venue, which would include “glamping”, watersports, and potentially even a hotel on site.
Others gave presentations regarding the site as well, including consultants, and the applicant who owns the site – Greg Clunie. In his presentation, Greg stressed that “not a day goes by” when those working on the project site at 4100 County Road 43 aren’t spending money at local Kemptville businesses. He also stressed that he expects dozens of North Grenville people to be employed as a result of the project, and promised an ongoing commitment to maintain the natural beauty of the site as the project progresses. Greg also pointed out that the site will be of “top notch” quality, so neighbours don’t have to worry about “riffraff” getting married on site. He also promised that “the site will not be left unattended once we are up and running”, meaning that staff would always be on site to ensure control over noise and other things that could cause concern.
Residents came up one at a time to register their concerns. Comments were strong and at times, somewhat hostile and accusatory toward the developer and Council. Many concerns touched on a lack of transparency, arguing that the initial plans for the site are not consistent with the current zoning and planning amendment requests.
One resident who came up to the microphone pointed out that she can already hear people on the property from inside her home with the windows closed, and that she has two young children who will never be able to get to sleep if the site plan is approved. Another resident stated that nothing to date has shown that the owner of the property intends to be a good neighbour, while yet another resident prepared a video to present to Council including drone footage of the site.
It was made clear by one resident – who also provided a written objection – that the neighbours of the site intend to take the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal if Council makes a decision that they do not like. As the meeting went later into the evening, Councillor Kristin Strackerjan made it clear that residents are welcome to speak for their full 10 minute allotment, and that Council wants to hear everyone.
Director Martin was available to answer residents’ questions throughout the meeting, as was Deputy Director Phil Mosher. Greg returned to the microphone to reassure residents that there has not been deception in terms of his company’s original plan for the site. He stressed that the site was not originally intended to be turned into a wedding venue. A resident then asked if Greg would be willing to make any compromises to work with the concerned neighbours, and he answered that it would be very difficult to please everyone.
Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan addressed the members of the public before the close of the meeting, and explained her own experience living near event venues. She commented there are a lot of “hypothetical and imaginary concerns” being tabled, which angered some residents who later sent emails demanding an apology, feeling that the comments were belittling. “I hear you and share your concerns, but it may not be as bad as you think”, Councillor O’Sullivan told the residents.
The plan for 4100 County Road 43 will be further considered at a later date.
