Ms. Eugeni sends her regrets and is not attending the meeting as a delegation.
The Mayor opens the floor for any further questions. There are no further questions raised from the delegations.
A Member inquires on the proposed zoning by-law amendments regarding their restrictions and application. Specifically, it is requested that Ms. Robson clarify the farming practices that use technology similar to greenhouses.
Ms. Robson explains that the goal is to have more residential properties in the Oldcastle to provide a balanced, healthy, sustainable community. She notes that she owns one of the largest remaining properties of agricultural lands in Oldcastle, and states that the by-law amendment simply indicating no greenhouses is too restrictive. Ms. Robson comments that the definition of greenhouse in the Sandwich South Zoning By-law does not go into detail, but it does define a greenhouse as any plastic structure on land. She explains that some farmers in the spring use plastic cover on seedlings to assist and protect with crop development, creating a greenhouse like affect. Ms. Robson further states that there is no flexibility in the proposed greenhouse prohibition for a personal use garden greenhouse. She would like the by-law to establish dimensions for acceptable greenhouse uses.
The Director clarifies existing zoning by-law regulations and that a greenhouse is currently permitted under the existing Agricultural zone regulations. He further speaks to the Official Plan regarding the Hamlet Development He notes that Administration will bring back a report to Council including a review of the concept of small scale greenhouses for personal use and farming practices involving plastic coverings on crops as it is not the intent of the proposed zoning by-law amendment to prevent traditional farming practices.
The Mayor requests that any delegations submit their written notes to the Clerk's office to be filed.
In response to an inquiry on greenhouses as a permitted use, the Director indicated that the proposed amendment is to prohibit a greenhouse to be constructed on agricultural zoned lands.
A Member suggests to quantify the term intensive agriculture use so that everyone understands the limits and constraints associated. The Director explains the term as it relates to livestock operations and how it relates to other legislation and regulations imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.