South Frontenac Council - June 14/22

Wilma Kenny | Jun 22, 2022

Three public meetings held to hear questions and comments about proposed zoning by-law amendments drew no public comment, so the meeting moved quickly on to a discussion of Provincial Bill 109’s changes to the process of approving site plan controls.

Director of Development Services Claire Dodds made the presentation about the changes legislated by Provincial Bill 109.

Site Plan Control is used to ensure that the development of a property complies with the requirements of the zoning by-law. A site plan control by-law identifies the zones or types of uses where site plan control will be required. Site plans are used to ensure:

• Safe, orderly and functional development;
• Safety and efficiency of vehicular and pedestrian movement;
• Land use compatibility between new and existing developments;
• The provision of functional attractive site amenities and facilities to achieve good urban, rural and waterfront design objectives;
• Retention and protection of valuable and sensitive natural features within development sites;
• The provision and appropriate placement of required infrastructure and services on development sites;
• The provision of easements or grading and site alterations needed to provide public utilities and site drainage;
• The construction and maintenance of the development as approved by the Township.

In Bill 109, the Province requires all municipal Councils to delegate decision making authority on site plan control applications to staff. The Provincial Planning Act now states that as of July 1, 2022, Municipal Councils will no longer have the authority to make decisions on site plan applications.

Accordingly, staff proposes to replace existing site plan control by-law 2003-25 as amended, with a new, updated by-law that establishes where site plan control applies throughout the Township, delegates authority to staff, authorizes the signing of agreements by the Mayor and Clerk, and deals with other technical matters such as drawings, conditions and securities under Section 41 of the Planning Act.

Councillor McDougall asked how this change would effect the developer. Director Dodds said the intent was to speed up approvals, and might be an advantage in summer when Council meets less frequently. However overall, “It will not fundamentally speed things up.”

Councillor Sutherland asked “We don’t have any choice about this?”

“Right,” replied Dodds; “The Province has ruled this: it was not initiated by staff.”

Councillor Ruttan said, “This isn’t good: it means non-elected people are making these decisions about our Township.” Dodds said “Exactly. This (opinion) is being echoed by both staff and professional planners.”

Mayor Vandewal said he felt the Province was overreaching in transferring power from Council to staff in this way. “Even if it does speed some things up, it takes away input from both Council and the public.”

Vandalism at Gilmour Beach Park

Councillor Sleeth spoke of recent criminal activity involving break, enter and destruction at the new facilities at Gilmour Beach. “It’s disheartening,” said Vandewal.