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19 - September 8, 2026 Public Meeting Agenda Package Report to County Council From: Diana Morris, Senior Planner Date: September 8, 2026 Subject: 12436 Belmont Road- County Official Plan Amendment Recommendation(s): 12436 Belmont Road- Planner dated September 8, 2026, be received and filed. Introduction: The purpose of this report is to provide information regarding an application received for a County Official Plan Amendment Application OPA 02-26 for lands municipally known as 12436 Belmont Road located in the Township of Malahide. The application proposes to amend the Elgin County Official Plan to permit an event venue within lands designated Agricultural. The subject lands are located within a Prime Agricultural Area, where the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS) generally limits permitted uses to agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses, and on-farm diversified uses (OFDUs). The applicant is proposing to develop the site for an garden on the balance of the lands. Pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, Elgin County Council is the approval authority for amendments to the Elgin County Official Plan. Background and Discussion: The subject lands are municipally known as 12436 Belmont Road and comprises a total area of approximately 2.42 ha (5.98 ac). The lands are located on the east side of Belmont Road (Elgin County Road 74, also known as Highway 74) in the Township of Malahide. The site is rectangularly shaped with a frontage of approximately 198.80m (652.23 ft) along the east side of Belmont Road and a lot depth of approximately 111.02m (364.24ft) at the front of the property, extending approximately 483m (1584.65ft) along the southerly property line to the rear of the property. See Appendix A- Location Map. The site is currently made up of 1 parcel of land which contains an existing single-detached dwelling that is approximately 149 m² (1,600 sq ft) with two (2) existing driveway accesses off Belmont Road. The lands are located in a prime agricultural area, characterized by a mix of active cropland, pasture, mature-forested area and limited rural residential dwellings. At present, the subject lands are not actively farmed/cultivated. The surrounding land uses are as follows: North - agricultural (cropland and pasture). East - mature forested areas and agricultural lands (cropland and pasture). South - agricultural (cropland and pasture) with limited rural residential dwellings along Belmont Road. West - agricultural (cropland and pasture) Proposed Development The Applicant is proposing to develop a portion of the site with a permanent building to host special events. The proposed event centre will accommodate a range of small and medium-scale gatherings, including weddings, banquets, meetings, pop-up farmers' markets, craft fairs and similar events with programming oriented around rural character and rural activities intended to support the agricultural character of the area. A new one-storey, steel-clad event building with a slab-on-grade foundation, having a gross floor area of approximately 707.6 m², is proposed with a maximum capacity of 150 people. A total of 73 parking spaces are proposed on-site (69 standard and 4 barrier-free). Vehicular access is proposed to be provided via the existing driveway accesses to Belmont Road (Elgin County Road 74), subject to entrance permits from Elgin County. The proposed development will be serviced by private on-site water (well) and private on-site sewage services (septic), with stormwater management directed to the Thompson-Finch Drain (Branch 2). The site statistics (both existing and proposed uses) include the following: Land Use Percentage of Site Garden, pasture and lavender field 41.31% House area and amenity 0.61% Event centre and parking 11.75% Open space, landscaping 46.33% Total 100% A Concept Plan of the proposal can be found in Appendix B. Provincial Planning Statement (2024) The subject lands are located within the Prime Agricultural Area under Provincial Policy. As such, the lands are subject to the agricultural land use policies of the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, which generally serve to maintain the long- system. Policy 4.3.1 General Policies for Agriculture 1. Planning authorities are required to use an agricultural system approach, based on provincial guidance, to maintain and enhance a geographically continuous agricultural land base and support and foster the long-term economic prosperity and productive capacity of the agri-food network. 2. As part of the agricultural land base, prime agricultural areas, including specialty crop areas, shall be designated and protected for long-term agricultural uses. 3. Specialty crop areas shall be given the highest priority for protection, followed by Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2, and 3 lands, and any associated Class 4 through 7 lands within the prime agricultural area, in this order of priority. 4.3.2 Permitted Uses in Prime Agricultural Areas 1. Agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses based on provincial guidance. Proposed agriculture-related uses and on-farm diversified uses shall be compatible with, and shall not hinder, surrounding agricultural operations. Criteria for these uses may be based on provincial guidance or municipal approaches, as set out in municipal planning documents, which achieve the same objectives. 2. In prime agricultural areas, all types, sizes and intensities of agricultural uses and normal farm practices shall be promoted and protected in accordance with provincial standards. 3. New land uses in prime agricultural areas, including the creation of lots and new or expanding livestock facilities, shall comply with the minimum distance separation formulae. The Provincial Planning Statement defines the permitted uses as follows: Agricultural uses- means the growing of crops, including nursery, biomass, and horticultural crops; raising of livestock; raising of other animals for food, fur or fibre, including poultry and fish; aquaculture; apiaries; agro-forestry; maple syrup production; and associated on-farm buildings and structures, including, but not limited to livestock facilities, manure storages, value-retaining facilities, and housing for farm workers, when the size and nature of the operation requires additional employment. Agriculture-related uses- means those farm-related commercial and farm-related industrial uses that are directly related to farm operations in the area, support agriculture, benefit from being in close proximity to farm operations, and provide direct products and/or services to farm operations as a primary activity. On-farm diversified uses- means uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural use of the property and are limited in area. On-farm diversified uses include, but are not limited to, home occupations, home industries, agri-tourism uses, uses that produce value-added agricultural products, and electricity generation facilities and transmission systems, and energy storage systems. Policy 4.3.5 of the PPS speaks to Non-Agricultural Uses in Prime Agricultural Areas. Specifically, planning authorities may only permit non-agricultural uses in prime agricultural areas if alternative locations have been evaluated and there are no reasonable alternative locations which avoid prime agricultural areas and there are no reasonable alternative locations in prime agricultural areas with lower priority agricultural lands. Impacts from any new or expanding non-agricultural uses on the agricultural system are to be avoided, or where avoidance is not possible, minimized and mitigated as determined through an agricultural impact assessment or equivalent analysis, based on provincial guidance. Section 4.3.5.1 of the PPS permits non-agricultural uses in Prime Agricultural Areas provided specific policy tests are satisfied, including: 1. The lands do not comprise a specialty crop area; 2. The use complies with the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) formulae; 3. There is an identified need for the use within the planning horizon; 4. Reasonable alternative locations have been evaluated and there are no reasonable alternative locations in lower priority agricultural areas; and 5. Impacts on surrounding agricultural operations are avoided or, where no possible, minimized and mitigated. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) Guidelines The applicant refers to the proposed event venue as an on-farm diversified use. These uses refer to secondary uses to the principal agricultural use of the property and are limited in area. While the PPS definition of on-farm diversified uses allow for a wide range of on-farm economic opportunities, it also requires those uses be secondary to the principal agricultural use of the property. In other words, agricultural uses must remain the dominant use of the property. Temporal considerations apply to uses that are temporary or intermittent, such as events. Given that on-farm diversified uses (and agriculture-related uses) must be compatible with surrounding agricultural operations, the frequency and timing of any events must not interfere with cropping cycles or other agricultural operations or uses on the farm or in the surrounding area. Even temporary uses must meet all criteria for on-farm diversified uses. Acceptable uses must be compatible with and able to coexist with surrounding agricultural operations, and: -to- roves conditions for agricultural production -time uses or held infrequently when impacts to agriculture are minimal e year in which the temporary use is implemented meet compatibility requirements (e.g., do not require significant emergency, water and wastewater services; maintain reasonable noise and traffic levels in the area) nding agricultural operations are mitigated (e.g., compaction, drainage, trespassing) If all criteria are met, events may be accommodated through a temporary use zoning by-law under the Planning Act, 1990, provided no permanent alterations are proposed to the land or structures (e.g., stages, washrooms or pavilions) and that farmland is returned to agriculture immediately following the event (e.g., detailed provisions to avoid soil compaction, timing events to avoid impacts on cropping systems). The intention is that non-agricultural uses are permitted only on an interim basis. Other uses permitted in the prime agricultural areas include agricultural uses and agricultural- related uses as defined in the Provincial Planning Statement. Limited Non-Residential Uses In prime agricultural areas, limited non-residential uses are uses that include commercial, industrial, institutional or recreational uses but exclude residential uses. These uses may only be considered in prime agricultural areas if other locations are unavailable and if they meet the tests of Provincial Policy. Identification of need for a proposed limited non-agricultural use requires appropriate justification which depends on the proposed use and starts by identifying the specific geographic market or service area for the proposed use. Justification includes information on and analysis of: c impacts of the proposed use Elgin County Official Plan (2025) Agricultural Appendix C- Elgin County Official Plan Map. agricultural area, the primary use of land shall be for agriculture. Secondary uses are limited to: agriculturally related uses, limited residential uses, home-based businesses and industries, agri-tourism operations, temporary outdoor special events and lands that have been previously designated for non-agricultural uses in a local official plan. 5.12 Agriculturally-related Uses Agriculturally-related uses are defined by provincial policy and are composed of farm- agricultural sector, provide products and services directly to farming operations, and benefit from being near the farming operations they serve. These uses include warehousing and distribution associated with local farming operations, farm produce stands, grain dryers, agricultural research centres, wineries and cideries, abattoirs, flour mills, stock yards, farm equipment repair, agricultural auction establishments, and feed, seed, and fertilizer suppliers. These uses will be permitted across the Rural Area subject to the other policies of this Plan and the following: a) when located in an agricultural designation in a local official plan, the total area of the use should generally be less than 1 ha in size, including all buildings, driveways, parking, and outdoor areas. Where a larger operation is proposed, the proponent will be required to demonstrate that there will be no negative impacts on farming operations or the rural character of the area; b) the use serves agricultural operations in the area; c) any buildings housing the agriculturally-related use are generally located within the existing farm-building cluster, if located on a farm property; d) there is no noise, lighting, dust, traffic, or odour from the business or industry that will have an adverse impact on adjacent properties or agricultural operations; and; massing, and landscaping. 5.14 Core Agri-Tourism Operations- Agri-tourism operations are classified as on-farm diversified uses under Provincial Policy and include a wide-range of leisure-related uses or activities related to farming and agriculture. Uses that are directly related to a farming operation -- shacks, petting zoos, tourist ranches, and produce markets shall be permitted across the Rural Area subject to the following: a) When located in an agricultural designation in a local official plan, the total area of the agri-tourism operation should generally be less than 1 ha in size, including all buildings, driveways, parking and outdoor areas. Where a larger operation is proposed, the proponent will be required to demonstrate that there will be no negative impacts on farming operations or the rural character of the area. b) the operation will not negatively impact surrounding agricultural operations and does not undermine the agricultural nature of the area; c) the building housing the agri-tourism operation is generally located within the existing farm-building cluster, if located on a farm property; d) there is no noise, lighting, dust, traffic, or odour from the business or industry that will have an adverse impact on adjacent properties or agricultural operations; and e) massing, and landscaping. 5.15 Other Agri-Tourism Operations- In some cases, agri-tourism operations may not have a direct relationship to a farm operation or agriculture but may still be complementary to farming or rural character. These uses include farmers markets, antique markets, bed and breakfasts, and outfitters for hunting, fishing, and camping. They may also include spas, retreats, outdoor recreational uses, and special event venues whose programming is based around rural character and/or rural activities. These uses may be permitted on a case-by-case basis in the Rural Area subject to: a) The criteria established in Subsection 5.14 above; b) Completion of an agricultural impact assessment to evaluate potential impacts on agricultural operations and the agricultural system; and, c) At a minimum a zoning by-law amendment to ensure compatibility and appropriateness of the proposed use. In undertaking any required agricultural impact assessment, the level of detail of the assessment should correspond with the scale and intensity of the proposed use. 5.16 Temporary Outdoor Special Events Due to its expansive open space, the Rural Area lends itself to hosting large-scale temporary outdoor events such as fairs, festivals, concerts, ploughing matches, historical re-enactments, weddings, swap meets. Nothing in this Plan is intended to prohibit the hosting of one-time, seasonal, or annual events in the Rural Area so long as: a) there are appropriate agreements in place between the host and the local municipality to see the lands restored or improved after the close of the event; and, b) all requirements of the public health authority having jurisdiction are satisfied. Financial Implications: There are no direct financial implications to Elgin County associated with the proposed County Official Plan Amendment. The applicant will be responsible for implementing any required site improvements, infrastructure upgrades, servicing modifications, and mitigation measures identified through subsequent planning approvals, technical review processes, and applicable development agreements. Local Municipal Partner Impact: The Township of Malahide is the affected Local Municipal Partner. The subject lands are designated Agriculture in the Township of Malahide Official Plan and are subject to corresponding local amendment applications. The proposed County Official Plan Amendment will provide the upper-tier policy framework necessary to support alignment between County and local planning documents respecting the proposed should County Council approve the amendment. Communication Requirements: Notice of the statutory public meeting has been provided in accordance with the Planning Act. Pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, Elgin County Council is the approval authority for amendments to the Elgin County Official Plan. Conclusion: The planning policy review considers the applicable planning policy framework, relevant legislation and the key planning considerations associated with the proposal which provides direction for assessing the proposal and establishing whether it represents an appropriate form of development within the surrounding context. Consideration should be given to matters including land use compatibility, conformity with applicable provincial and municipal policies, compatibility with surrounding development, servicing and infrastructure capacity, environmental considerations, transportation, and the overall character and function of the area. These matters will continue to be reviewed/ addressed through the detailed planning and development review process in addition to municipal and external agency review and public consultation. Overall, the planning policy review provides a basis for the continued consideration of the proposal and compliance with all relevant policy, regulatory, and technical requirements. Staff will bring forward a recommendation report to Council in the near future. Attachments: Appendix A Location Map Appendix B- Concept Plan Appendix C- Elgin County Official Plan Map All of which is Respectfully Submitted, Approved for Submission, Diana Morris Blaine Parkin Senior Planner Chief Administrative Officer Reviewed for Submission, Mat Vaughan Director of Planning CENTRE EVENT County of Elgin 12436 Belmont Road, PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT Township of Malahide, Ontario FOR Subject Property area (2.42 ha) en demolished. elmont Town Restaurant & ingle detached dwelling, ide of Belmont Road and Site has been owned by BCatering Inc., the ApplicantSite is made up of 1 parcel of lSite contains an existing swith the balance of the land in pasture and mature forested Barn, silo and shed have beSite is located on the east s ••••• Proposed Concept Plan , including: use p farmers' markets, craft u - is proposed within the existing -table vegetable garden arm diversified f - to - clad agricultural event building with - rm Proposal gricultural cultivation of lavender (or similar afa foundation orey, steel vent venue, e st - grade - on - building cluster. - 707.6 m2 6,050 m2 (0.60 ha)farming operation), and1,200 m2 (0.12 ha) weddings, banquets, meetings, popfairs and similar events with programming oriented around rural character and rural activities. ea and mature forested area will remain. mall and medium scale gatherings, including: –––– Develop the Site as an onThe existing single detached dwelling, 2,750 m2 of pasture arThe proposed event centre will accommodate a range of sA new onea slabfarm •••• . . ite s - spaces will remain free - eople is Road centre (max. 250). 150 p - event site water (well) and - special Site Details Finch Drain (Branch 2). site sewage services (septic), with - - by private on viced riveway accesses to Belmont d er An average capacity of 100estimated for the A total of 73 parking spaces are proposed onfor the entire Site, including 4 barrier2 Sprivate onstormwater management directed to the Thompson •••• Renderings Conceptual The Vision Planning Framework Α /ƚǒƓƷǤ Amendment (COPA) pecific s - Proposed County Official Plan chedule 'A' "Agricultural Area" on SStructure Plan attached to the COPsite"Agricultural Area" to permit the establishment of a special event venue signation:signation: –– Current land use deProposed land use de •• aw Amendment l - XX)" - icultural (A1 ading, signage, etc. esignation "Agriculture" to site specific "Agriculture" land use d"General Agricultural (A1)" to site specific "General AgrWill include detailed site design such as landscaping, lot grConstruction of the new accessory structure –––– Other Applications Required Township of Malahide Official Plan Amendment (OPA)Township of Malahide Zoning By(ZBA)Site Plan Control (SPC)Building Permit •••• I) - ZBA: and OPA Support Studies Completed Stormwater Management Report (SWM) ownship – Planning Justification Report (PJR)Traffic Impact Brief (TIB)Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) Minimum Distance Separation (MDS Other studies to be completed as part of the T ••••• still make would that traditional farming operation as a D agricultural cultivation RECEIVE BEEN ommercially viable f providing for more economic development opportunities c o HAVE or limited in size vision aw (ZBL) l agricultural system - is considered a farm SUPPORT Planning Analysis e will have complementary will be Ļğ͸ƭ Site OF us ar fficial Plan (OP) O LETTERS arm diversified use directly supports the area agricultural industry size of the f - 80 e ale of the use c h is consistent with the supports the tsthe property is not suited the proposedproductive use of the available land and enhance the venueconforms to the intent and purpose of the COPonconforms to the intent and purpose of the OPdevelopment is compatible with the surrounding area conforms to the intent and purpose of the ZBLno relief is being requestedconsidered good planning ER –––––––––––––OV Provincial Planning Statement (PPS)OMAFRA Publications (Guideline)County Official Plan (COP)TownshipTownship Zoning By ••••• Questions? 176 178 Dundas Street London ON, Canada N6A 1G7 T: (519) 432-1107 E: info@londonmusichall.com August 13, 2026 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to express my strong support for Belmont Catering and their proposal to open a new venue in Elgin County. We have had the pleasure of working with Belmont Catering for many events over the years and our experiences with their team have always been extremely positive. They are a hardworking, professional, family-owned business that takes great pride in the quality of their food, service, and relationships with their customers. Having worked with them firsthand, I have seen their commitment to creating successful events and providing excellent service to the community. I truly believe that opening their own venue would be a natural next step for their business and would allow them to continue growing while providing an even greater benefit to the local area. A venue operated by a well-established local family business would bring meaningful economic and community benefits. It would create opportunities for local employment, support other nearby businesses and suppliers, attract people to the area, and provide a valuable space for weddings, celebrations, community gatherings, and other events. Most importantly, I believe Belmont Catering has the experience, dedication, and strong reputation needed to make this venue a success. Sincerely, ____________________________ Jacky Manuel London Music Hall 519-432-1107 jacky@londonmusichall.com Up!Xipn!Ju!Nbz!Dpodfso-! ! J!bn!xsjujoh!up!fyqsftt!nz!tuspoh!tvqqpsu!gps!Cfmnpou!Upxo!Sftubvsbou! boe!Dbufsjoh!boe!uifjs!foefbwpvs!up!ftubcmjti!b!qfsnbofou!wfovf!jo! Cfmnpou/ Gps!bqqspyjnbufmz!51!zfbst-!Cfmnpou!Upxo!Sftubvsbou!boe!Dbufsjoh!ibt! cffo!qspvemz!tfswjoh!uif!Cfmnpou!boe!tvsspvoejoh!dpnnvojujft!uispvhi! uifjs!dbufsjoh!cvtjoftt/! 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Cfmnpou!boe!uif!tvsspvoejoh!dpnnvojuz/ J!tuspohmz!tvqqpsu!uijt!qspqptbm!boe!fodpvsbhf!jut!bqqspwbm/ Tjodfsfmz- Lzmf!Csboeu Sfe!Tfbm!DfsujÑfe!Difg August 26, 2026 LETTER OF SUPPORT To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my strong support for Belmont Town Restaurant & Catering and their proposed year-round event venue in Elgin County. As the owner of EastLine Electric, a local electrical contracting business serving London, Belmont, Elgin County, and the surrounding area, I understand firsthand how important locally owned businesses are to the strength and growth of our communities. Projects such as this create opportunities that extend well beyond the business undertaking the development. A year-round event venue would bring weddings, celebrations, corporate functions, agricultural gatherings, and other events into the area. Each of these events has the potential to generate additional business for local contractors, tradespeople, restaurants, accommodations, transportation providers, photographers, florists, rental companies, and many other small businesses throughout the region. I believe it is particularly valuable to provide families and organizations with more opportunities to hold their events locally rather than having to leave Elgin County because of limited venue options. Keeping these events within our community helps keep spending local, supports employment, encourages tourism, and provides opportunities for other businesses to grow alongside the venue. Belmont Town Restaurant & Catering has been part of the community for more than 40 years. Their desire to reinvest in the area and expand a long-standing family business demonstrates a meaningful commitment to the future of Belmont and Elgin County. From the perspective of a local small-business owner and electrical contractor, I see this proposed development as a positive investment in the community and an opportunity to generate economic activity for many businesses and trades throughout the area. I am pleased to offer my support for Belmont Town Restaurant & Catering's proposed year-round event venue and respectfully encourage Council to give the project favourable consideration. Sincerely, Todd Stephens Owner / Master Electrician EastLine Electric 519-777-3796 ECRA/ESA Licence #7018875 EASTLINE ELECTRIC | 519-777-3796 | Residential - Commercial - Industrial | ECRA/ESA #7018875 August 26, 2026 RE: Supportof a proposed Event Venue by Belmont Town Restaurant Dear Council, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed event venue just outside of Belmont. As a local business owner with more than three decades in the beauty industry, including extensive experience with brides, wedding parties and special events, I understand firsthand the economic impact a successful wedding and event venue can have on a community. A wedding venue supports far more than the venue itself. Every event creates business for photographers, florists, hairstylists, makeup artists, estheticians, decorators, DJs, bakers, rental companies, transportation providers, accommodations and many other local businesses. Just as importantly, a successful venue becomes a referral hub. Couples naturally look to their venue for recommendations, creating an ongoing network of opportunities for other trusted local businesses. Instead of that spending leaving our area, a venue like this can help keep it circulating within Belmont and the surrounding communities. What makes this proposal particularly exciting to me is that it builds upon an already established and award-winning local catering business. This family has served our community for decades and has already earned a reputation for exceptional food and hospitality. Creating their own event destination feels like a natural and very viable next chapter. The possibilities also extend well beyond weddings. A beautiful, year-round rural venue could accommodate business meetings, conferences, celebrations, community gatherings, fundraisers, seasonal markets, local vendor events, chef dinners and other special events. It could become a place that brings people into our community throughout the entire year. As a small business owner myself, I strongly believe in supporting responsible local businesses that are willing to invest back into their community. Projects like this create employment, encourage collaboration between local businesses and give people another reason to visit, gather and spend within our area. I believe this venue would be a tremendous asset to Belmont and the surrounding community, and I am very pleased to support their application and their vision for this property. Sincerely, Paula Foster, Owner/Operator Urban Diva Boutique Spa 14135 Belmont Road Belmont Ontario ϶