WHITEWATER REGION —
A letter will be sent to about 60 landowners who were trying to change their rural designation to waterfront designation for economic development, that the province may want them switched back to agriculture.
This is just another phase in Whitewater Region’s appeal to the Official Plan Amendment #11, which has been ongoing for several years.
“This will give the people an opportunity to send us comments to say yes, good for us, and then there are others who may have concerns,” said Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay at the June 7 council meeting.
Should the appeal go to the Ontario Municipal Board, council would have the knowledge of what the property owners want, he added.
The township’s consultant and planning department continue to work on mineral aggregate issues associated with OPA #11, he said.
Councillor Charlene Jackson questioned if there would be a public meeting held regarding this issue.
“My concern is if a letter goes out, some people might not understand the difference between the different designations and may have questions.
“It’s important these landowners truly understand what the implications are of these changes.”
CAO Tremblay said instead of one big meeting, county planners Charles Cheesman and Anne McVean have offered to meet individually with any affected landowners, either by telephone or actually meeting with them. By meeting one-on-one, the property owners would get a better understanding of how the changes may or not affect them.
“Once we get letters back and feedback, maybe a public open house might be required,” he said. “But at this point, dealing through Anne and Charles is the best approach.”
