South Frontenac Council - Sep 8/15

Wilma Kenny | Sep 09, 2015

Revised Subdivision Proposal Questioned

Speaking on behalf of a number of the residents of Hartington, Michelle Foxton noted that FOTENN Planning’s current proposal for a much smaller development situated within the hamlet of Hartington appeared to be “an unmodified northern portion of the original proposal.” None of the outstanding water concerns had been addressed. Referring to a report/review by McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers, which had been commissioned by the community, Foxton listed seven unresolved issues all relating to questions about water quality and quantity. She asked to see the response from Maroz Engineering (the company that did a peer review of the developer’s hydrogeological report on behalf of the Township), when it becomes available.

Mayor Vandewal replied that Council was presently holding back from commenting until they had the Malroz reply. Deputy Mayor McDougall agreed, and complimented Foxton on her community’s work, telling her not to be discouraged.

Sleeth said he was dismayed that Council did not seem to be getting good information; Vandewal said “You could hire ten consultants and get ten different opinions.” Foxton commented; “Perhaps there’s a gap between the information that comes in, and how it is interpreted to Council.”

Charlie LaFarge reviewed the history of the Hartington area’s land zoning slide from Prime Agricultural in 1997 to its present designation of Rural. He asked “what was the process that led to this change?” He also listed concerns about surface water flooding, citing current problems in the area, and described the proposed subdivision layout as “looking like wartime housing.”

Planner Mills then reviewed the comments from the public meeting about the subdivision, held July 7th. He summarized the concerns into four main areas: 1) water quality and quantity; 2) flooding and drainage; 3) effect on farming; 4) lot frontage and aesthetics. He said there were too many lingering questions about the hydrogeology for the report to be forwarded to the County at this time.

Mayor Vandewal said that the public comments could all be forwarded to County for their records: Council did not have to make their recommendation at the same time. CAO Orr said he needed direction from Council, or he would have to bring the issue back every meeting. Councillor Revill made a notice of motion to come to the next Council meeting, recommending the current information and comments be forwarded to the County planning department. “I don’t think anything’s going to happen too quickly on this,” said Vandewal.

Wetlands, Waterbodies, Wells and Granny Suites

Mills presented a review of comments both from the public and Council concerning the Township’s updates of the Official Plan. After discussion of several details, Council agreed the revised plan should come forward to a Council Meeting.

Proposed Procedural By-Law for Council

Fortunately for all, Council agreed not to open discussion on this very detailed 22 page document tonight. Councilors will, within two weeks, each submit a list of the clauses they wish to address. These will be collated, and the results will come back to Council in October for a decision on how to proceed from there.

Want to become more involved?

Deputy Mayor McDougall announced that the County has dissolved their Sustainability and Trails Committees, and are replacing them with a new Community Development Committee, which is seeking applicants to become “Sustainability Stewards”. Further information is on the SF Township’s web page, and the deadline is Sept 11.