Role of Council is to uphold zoning by-laws says reader

To the Editor:

Zoning Bylaws are meant to protect the citizens of the community by regulating growth, development and land use in the community. Each zone has a set type of development that is allowed, which is why, you can’t build a factory in the middle of a residential zone.

Part of the role of council is to uphold these by-laws, allowing a minor variance here or there if it doesn’t impact neighbours. I am very disappointed with our council who seems to want to push the limits or go against their own by-laws when it comes to the Cedar Crescent Village. Their actions do impact the quality of life for neighbours and the community.

The area where they want to build is zoned OPEN SPACE (OS-1) and is meant largely for outdoor recreational space. Things that are allowed include conservation use; forestry use; golf course; open space; public park; wildlife preserve; and works of a Conservation Authority. Structures that existed when the by-law passed are allowed to remain.  Community and special events may be permitted from time to time, including things like the flea market and the Bruce Power party.

How does a massive commercial development with multiple retail stores and event halls fit into this zone? By definition this type of complex should be located in a Commercial Recreational Zone. How did council even allow this to get this far? A small area at the north end of the beach is zoned Marine commercial and would allow a restaurant and marine store.

While most people are happy with a restaurant, a rooftop patio that holds 100-150 people is not allowed. According to the zoning bylaws “Where the lot adjoins a Residential Zone, no outdoor patio shall be located above the elevation of the floor of the first storey of the principal building.” That makes sense. Would you want this across from your house

Council was told by staff that it doesn’t apply because the lots don’t adjoin since there is a road in between. Obviously, they are not familiar with their own bylaws.  A street is included in the adjoining property on either side and the centre line of the street is the boundary between the two zones. Therefore, this development is adjoined to the residential zone and council cannot allow any type of rooftop patio. However, because there is a street, the bylaw does allow a patio in the yard, but the definition of yard is space open and uncovered and unoccupied from the ground upward. In other words, a ground floor outdoor open-air patio is okay.

Why is council so willing go against their own planning to push this large commercial centre onto our beach. Let’s go slowly. Build a ground floor restaurant with a patio and beach shop to replace the station. After that the next council can reassess. We don’t need an indoor market place that doubles as a wedding venue. The outdoor Wednesday flea market has worked in the past and can continue to be outdoors.

Joanne Weishuhn-Lee