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APPLICATION FOR A PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - PLANSCAPE INC. ON BEHALF OF CHAMPLAIN READY MIX - RAWSON ROAD (WARD 8) (APRIL 8, 2013) (D09-28/D14-1548)
Margaret Walton of Planscape Inc explained that the purpose of the public meeting is to review an application for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law amendment to allow a concrete ready mix facility in the South Barrie Industrial Park submitted on behalf of Champlain Ready Mix Ltd. She noted that the subject property is located on the west side of Rawson Road in the South Barrie Industrial Park and has a total area of 1.85 hectares. Ms. Walton indicated that the property is currently owned by the City of Barrie and that the offer to purchase by Champlain Ready Mix is conditional on the property being re-designated and rezoned for use as a concrete ready mix facility. She explained that the property is designated Restricted Industrial within the City's Official Plan and are zoned Restricted Industrial subject to Special Provisions (EM5) (SP 413) (H107) in accordance with the Zoning By-law 2009-141. Ms. Walton indicated that she believes the property is compatible with other uses in the area and consistent with the applicable policies for the industrial park. She listed the studies that have been submitted to the City in support of the application and described the recommendations that have been incorporated in the design and development of the application.
Ms. Walton provided the concept plan and described the proposed development in detail. She noted that that Site Plan approval is required for the subject property and will address potential impacts including dust and noise control. Ms. Walton concluded by sharing her professional opinion with respect to the planning rationale associated with the application.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
1. Craig Busch, 16 Bingham Court explained that he is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Busch Group of Companies which is located directly across from the subject property. He noted that the Rawson Road area has experienced recent growth and has five businesses in the area. Mr. Busch commented that he believes this area is a destination of future businesses. He expressed concern regarding the proposal for a concrete ready-mix plant and stated that he believes this may reduce the curbside appeal to the area and hinder future business development. Mr. Busch requested that Council give serious consideration to any request for rezoning the land along Rawson Avenue. He commented that he believes re-zoning the property and allowing a ready-mix facility may pose a serious threat to the local community. He expressed concern regarding the impact of the proposed facility on air quality and the health of employees of existing businesses and the impact of dust from the facility on buildings and vehicles in the ares. He noted that the existing Coco Paving plant is not impacting his business operations as a sufficient buffer exists and expressed concern that the proposed buffer for this facility is inadequate. Mr. Busch cited concerns regarding the concentration of paving and concrete plants in the area. He outlined his environmental concerns including the future soil condition, runoff into the water table and the possible infrastructure damage if the proposal is approved. Mr. Busch commented that he feels there may be traffic concerns and that the existing tree line buffer may not be sufficient. Mr. Busch concluded by requesting that Council maintain the existing zoning of the land along Rawson Avenue.
2. Brian Westgarth-Taylor, 424 Dunlop Street West commented that he is representing his wife Judith Westgarth-Taylor who is the owner of approximately 93 acres of land known as 140 Lockhart Road (Lockhart farm). He noted that he is opposed to the development proposal. He explained that the Lockhart farm is described differently by various institutions and questioned how his property could be deemed vacant with an occupied residence. Mr. Westgarth-Taylor provided details concerning an agreement between the City of Barrie and Judith Westgarth-Taylor containing a restrictive covenant for a period of 20 years that prevents the use of City land for any purpose that may result in noxious odour or excessive noise. He indicated that he believes if the proposed development is approved that the restrictive covenant may not be upheld. Mr. Westgarth-Taylor provided details concerning a potential sale of the Lockhart land that took place in the past. He explained that he believes that the sale could not be finalized due to the existing cement and asphalt industries in the area and the inability to provide the requirements needed to complete the sale. Mr. Westgarth-Taylor concluded by requesting that City not approve the development proposal and it honour the restrictive covenant regarding noise and odour.
Members of General Committee provided a number of questions related to presentation and received responses from the presenter and City staff.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Correspondence received from Bell Canada dated March 26, 2013.
2. Correspondence received from Brian Westgarth-Taylor dated April 4, 2013.
3. Correspondence received from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority dated April 5, 2013.
4. Correspondence received from Craig Busch dated April 8, 2013.