Neighbours fight zoning to permit country dog kennel

Nadia Corriveau and Paul Snider have received council approval to open a home-based doggy daycare and lodging service at their new property on Concession 6 North Nottawasaga.
In order to open the dogcare business in the area zoned agricultural, which is located in the vicinity of the Collingwood Regional Airport, the couple needed an exception to allow for a boarding kennel.
At an Oct. 7 public meeting, Corriveau told council that they had worked with the planning department to find a property that checked all the boxes.
She said her plan for her new business, Georgian Bay Happy Tails, was to offer a low-stress, barkless, cage-free care facility for dogs with a strict screening process. Dogs would have outdoor playtime and indoor naptime and would be cared for by trained professionals. The area wood be fenced and they had a plan for feces collection and composting.
About a dozen neighbours spoke against the proposed zoning amendment at the public meeting, and voiced their opposition in writing. They are concerned about barking, safety, increased traffic, speeding, property value and the reduced ability for people in the area to enjoy their property.
Concession 6 resident Brad Lebeck commented, “I’m worried that a new owner, if it’s sold, what if they don’t have the same standard of operation?”
There was also support for the proposal in the form of testimonials as to the couple’s character and hardworking nature.
“We should give people a chance,” said Chase Quanbury. “These are dogs, not criminals.”
When the proposed zoning exception came back to the council table on Nov. 18, it had been reduced from a maximum of 35 dogs to 20 dogs, with only 15 at a time for overnight stays.
Deputy Mayor Barry Burton thanked the applicants for their sincere efforts to compromise but Councillor Ed Christie didn’t see it that way, saying the kennel will negatively affect the neighbourhood.
“I would not want it in my backyard either,” he said.
Councillor Doug McKechnie was the other councillor to vote against the zoning exception, saying other kennels are located more remotely and there would be a more suitable spot.
“And the canine bylaw is toothless, excuse the pun,” he said, adding the $75 fine for barking is nothing to people.
Mayor Doug Measures said the agricultural zone is appropriate for a dog kennel because noise is already permissible, compared to in an urban setting.
“I’m concerned that this has caused a split in our community,” said Measures… “I hope, if this is passed, they become good neighbours and you will all get along.”
Clearview council did approve the zoning exception. While Corriveau was visibly relieved and moved to tears, those fighting the change left council chambers in frustration.

Trina Berlo photo: Nadia Corriveau and Paul Snider pitch their plans to open a doggy daycare at their Concession 6 North Nottawasaga home at an Oct. 7 public meeting. A zoning exception to allow the use was approved by Clearview council on Nov. 18.