August 22, 2002 Public Meeting
M I N U T E S
OF THE CORPORATION OF THE
MUNICIPALITY OF WEST ELGIN
PUBLIC MEETING
WEST ELGIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
nd
AUGUST 22, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Duncan McPhail, Deputy Mayor Graham Warwick
Councillors: Trudy Balint, Brad Bandeen, Mike Mooser
STAFF PRESENT: Joanne Groch Administrator/Treasurer
Norma Bryant Clerk
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Ted Halwa Planning Consultant
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT & REZONING
PART LOT 19, CONC VIII - ANDREI
Also in attendance: G. & M. Andrei plus 27 ratepayers
Mayor McPhail called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. The Clerk informed those
present that notice of this meeting had been given under Section 17(15) and 34(12) of
the Planning Act by prepaid first class mail to all assessed owners within 150 metres of
the subject property. Correspondence received from M. Grigore in support of the
application.
Mayor McPhail stated that this public meeting was a continuation of the previous
meeting. Council had requested the applicant to look at other sites for the bus barn use.
Ted Halwa, Planning Consultant reported that alternative sites need to be canvassed as
part of the Official Plan amendment process. The applicants had been requested to
submit a written document to Council.
Mr. Neil Badder, of Elgin Bus Lines, reported that even after review of alternative sites
they feel this is the best site. They looked at industrial lands where the Agnew plant was
located (Gilbert Street) and the site of the tractor plant north of Highway 76 but no gas is
available on that site. Further, the Gilbert Street site is 2 kms. closer to the school and
saves 88 km. in driving per day compared to the tractor place location. The zoning on
the industrial site permits the use and an offer to purchase has been accepted.
Councillor Mooser, speaking on behalf of the residents of West Lorne, stated that the
site on Gilbert Street is unacceptable.
Dennis Joyce presented a petition of 72 signatures to the Mayor. Mr. Joyce reported
that there are a lot of children in the area, they are concerned with wildlife being
disturbed with the development, increase in traffic due to 22 buses @ 4 times per day,
the access to this property (where it will be) and additional pollution in area.
Aug 22/02…Pg 2 of 2
A lengthy discussion followed with concerns from those present were as follows:
- need for 3 more stop lights on 76 highway
- need for sidewalks
- more traffic created
- why is this land industrial? It is adjacent to residential
- can the buses be told which streets to use
- can the buses use a new road, a new access created for the buses so that they don’t
travel through the residential area
- was an environmental impact study done?
- letters sent to Thames Valley District School Board – no response
Council noted that when an Official Plan amendment is requested, it must be justified to
the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. One of the issues would be “have you looked at
alternatives”.
The Planner reported that the lands on Gilbert are designated Industrial which allows for
this kind of use. No planning approval is required other than site plan control. He noted
that pursuing an alternate access into this area is a productive idea. However, the lands
to the northwest of the site are provincially significant wetlands. Zoning doesn’t deal
with pollution; this matter is under different legislation.
The Mayor stated that Council would investigate road access into Gilbert Street
property.
Maria Grigore, speaking on behalf of her parents, stated that they wish to proceed with
this application. Ms. Grigore asked for a response to her letter to Council.
SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT
RES. NO. 1 Moved by Bandeen
Seconded by Balint
RESOLVED that the public meeting concerning a proposed Official Plan
Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for land located in Part of Lot
19, Concession 8 is hereby adjourned.
DISPOSITION: Carried
th
These minutes were adopted on this 12 day of September, 2002.
______________________________ _______________________________
MAYOR CLERK