Council blocks controls on industrial land

 In Business

A council decision has bought a Creemore mechanic some more time to satisfy Clearview Township’s planning department that the business is operating legally.
Clearview council has voted against a staff recommendation to reconsider the industrial designation on Edward Street East lands as part of an Official Plan review and to set aside an interim control bylaw at this time.
The bylaw would put a hold on any development of the subject lands until the review is complete.
The lands, totaling 9.55 acres, are zoned general industrial and waste disposal industrial, due to a former landfill being located there. One parcel is owned by the County of Simcoe, and is the location of a former public works yard. It is also home to AutoSolve, a shop owned by Matt Playne.
“The use of these lands for industrial purposes is a concern for the planning department, particularly given the relatively small size of the properties and that they are surrounded by residential lands, creating a high probability of conflicting land uses,” reported director of community services Mara Burton.
The subject lands are located on the north side of Edward Street East, south of the Alliance residential subdivision; east of the McIntosh (now Granite Group) residential condominium project; north of the residentially designated lands directly across also fronting onto Edward Street East; and west of residentially designated lands.
The land designation is being looked at as part of an Official Plan review but the area is not serviced and the municipality is facing a costly expansion of the sewage treatment plant in order to accommodate all of the growth on the books.
Officially, the AutoSolve properties contain a legal non-conforming residential dwelling and a garage, which is also in the industrial zone and permits motor vehicle repair garages.
Deputy Mayor Barry Burton said he would not support the bylaw because it would stop the business from being able to get the permits in order to become conforming.
“It puts them in precarious position if we do that, in my opinion. As a result I won’t be supporting this motion because I think it’s going to put too many restrictions and take away the availability of the applicant to become legal non-conforming,” said Burton.
Some councillors said the matter isn’t urgent because the residential development isn’t imminent and the interim bylaw can always be reconsidered at a later date.
“That area has not developed into a true industrial area. It is not connected to municipal water and sewer services in that area and so other uses for the land need to be part of this review because the likelihood for any full industrial connections there are very slim at this point. I appreciate it has to be reviewed but I do take a bit of comfort knowing that we, as a council, can bring forward that type of interim control bylaw at any time,” said Mayor Doug Measures.
Councillor Thom Paterson wants to do more to work with the owners.
He said he would like some certainty that the area will be residential, although it appears to be heading that way.
“We’re not sure of the impact that has on the current uses, whether they be legal or not. I would like us to find a way to work with the affected parties here, in a very short period of time,” said Paterson.
Playne said he is pleased council’s decision and that there is support coming from people in the community for AutoSolve to remain in business at its current location.
“I am happy to feel like I have somebody on my side. At first I wasn’t sure,” said Playne. “I’d get these letters from bylaw and planning that I’m breaking the law, like I’m a criminal.”
He said the township would like him to pack up and leave his property but there aren’t any appropriate alternatives available in Creemore.
He said after talking to council members he has had some assurances that there are planning solutions available to him. Playne said, as the process evolves, he welcomes letters of support from the community to be directed to council and staff.

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