HILLSBURGH – A local landscaping company needs Erin council's support to continue operating on agricultural-zoned land but some residents living in a nearby hamlet aren't convinced it's the right choice for their neighbourhood.
JL Cox Planning Consultants on behalf of Gleidy Poll, the owner of 9151 Side Road 24 in Hillsburgh is applying for a bylaw amendment to rezone a "small portion" of the property to permit an existing landscaping business, Willboi's Landscape Ltd, which has been operating without the correct zoning since 2013.
As the property is currently zoned agricultural, which does not permit a landscaping business, the applicant has requested that 1.1 hectares of the 13.7-hectare property be rezoned to a rural commercial special provision zone.
"We have a history with the property, and we really do, in a meaningful way, want to coexist with our neighbours," said Willboi's owner, Tim Williams, in an interview with GuelphToday.
Eight people delegated against the application at the meeting, sharing concerns about truck traffic, noise and the impact on the surrounding environment of Cedar Valley, a growing hamlet located west of the property. One letter was received in support of the application.
"Cedar Valley is a pretty quiet little hamlet. So, you know, anything that's disruptive is a big change," said Mayor Michael Dehn, in an interview with GuelphToday.
Dehn said residents shared concerns about noises like banging from truck tailgates while others were about the business operating 24/7 in the wintertime.
"So it's not that (the business is running) just seven to seven and it is really quiet there," said Dehn. "So if you start a diesel engine anywhere, you'll hear exactly what's happening."
Williams said the company has a couple of dump trucks and four pick-up trucks that drive to and from the property and occasionally receive transport truck deliveries.
The property currently contains two existing shops and two smaller covered sheds used to operate the landscaping business. The remaining lands are used for agriculture.
A 65 square metre one-bedroom accessory apartment unit is on the second floor of the main shop which the applicant said is intended to accommodate an employee of the landscaping business to maintain the property and provide on-site security.
"Cedar Valley has grown so what started out obviously 40 years ago was a one off and no traffic and we're here today dealing with where we are," said Coun. Jamie Cheyne, addressing the delegates. "So it's important for all of you to have your say and there's a lot of thought here and there's a lot of passion in everyone's voice, I can hear that and it won't be taken lightly."
Coun. Bridget Ryan said it's important to look at the town's bylaws and structure for direction when faced with growth-related challenges.
"We talk about noise agriculture use and what is small scale and perhaps that is our challenge as council to redefine that and define that clearly so that it doesn't create a he said/she said," said Ryan. "Because growth and economy is necessary, employment is necessary and quality of life is necessary and it's upon us to look to that as staff and council to figure out the best balance going forward."
A recommendation report will be presented to council for consideration at a future meeting.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
