Title
APPLICATIONS FOR A PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - CITY OF BARRIE - 340 AND 344 FERNDALE DRIVE (April 23, 2012) (File: D09-OPA020/D14-1535)
Walter Fischer, Supervisor of Parks Planning and Development for the City of Barrie explained that the purpose of the public meeting is to review an application to consider an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment submitted by The Corporation of the City of Barrie for lands located on the west side of Ferndale Drive North, south of Benson Drive. He noted that the land is located within the Sandy Hollow Planning Area, is known municipally as 340 and 344 Ferndale Drive North and has a total area of approximately 15.24 hectares.
Mr. Fischer provided an aerial photograph of the subject site. He explained that a disc golf course would be an additional permitted use if an Official Plan Amendment from Environmental Protection Area to Environmental Protection Area - Defined Policy Area and Open Space and a Zoning By-law Amendment from Environmental Protection (EP) Zone to Environmental Protection (EP) Special Zone and Open Space (OP) Zone were approved. Mr. Fischer noted that the Enviroronmental Impact Study will be updated in May 2012 in consideration of the proposed disc golf course and planning applications. He provided photgraphs of the existing site conditions and described the sport of disc golf. Mr. Fischer provided examples of disc golf courses located in other municipalities and described the draft layout of the proposed disc golf course. He concluded by outlining the project schedule nd the next steps in the process should the application be approved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
1. Alicia Beemer-Staines, 201 Ferndale Dr. N., stated that she has lived at the bottom of the hill for 25 years and had initial concerns regarding the proposal but is pleases with the environmental aspects and trees. She noted that she believes there will be an increase in the amount of garbage on the property due to the increase in people utilizing the site. Ms. Beemer-Staines expressed concern that the golf structures may be vandalized and cautioned that that unauthorized dirt bikes drive through the area. She concluded by observing that the disc golf course seemed like a welcome addition.
Mayor Lehman provided comments relating to her concerns.
2. Sharon Jones, 87 Benson Drive, commented that she believes the paking lot will be more accessible for people using unauthorized snowmobiles and dirtbikes. She suggested that additional policing be provided to prevent the use of unauthorized vehicles on the property.
Staff provided information concerning the parking lot area.
3. Jim Wilcox, 31 Hodgson Drive asked if a meeting had been held with the residents in the area. He asked if there was information available concerning the projected number of users that will be using the disc golf course and the noise levels that can be expected. Mr. Wilcox asked how many people per day will be using the golf course and expressed concern regarding the noise levels, stating the dirt bikes and snowmobiles are considered a nuisance in the area. He inquired regarding the proposed times of operation of the disc golf course.
Mark Jacquemain, Executive member of the Barrie Disc Golf Association offered responses to the questions.
Members of General Committee asked a number of questions concerning the information provided and received responses from staff and representatives of the Barrie Disc Golf Association.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Correspondence from Marjorie Beardsall dated April 11, 2012.
2. Correspondence from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority dated April 18, 2012.
3. Correspondence from Sylvia Stutz dated April 18, 2012.