Plans for sound buffering on the site of a planned kennel in the township were presented to council on April 24.
Jennifer and Bob Walter have applied for a zoning amendment to allow the creation of a kennel at a property on Concession 9 in former Peel Township.
The applicants plan to use an existing 1,500 square foot shed on the 100 acre property for a dog kennel. The land is currently zoned agricultural and occupied by a dwelling, drive shed, two poultry barns and a shed. The proposed amendment would permit a commercial kennel to operate on a site-specific basis on the property. Current bylaws restrict the use in all zones unless specifically permitted by an amendment.
At the April 10 meeting, council directed that appropriate sound buffering be included in a draft bylaw for the zoning amendment.
In a report at the April 24 meeting, Wellington County senior planner Curtis Marshall indicated he had discussed fencing and buffering with the applicants.
The report notes a two metre (6.7 feet) high steel fence has been installed along the entire outside of the dog runs. The fence extends to the edge of the agricultural field, which is tile drained, and the applicants have indicated they intend to also spray foam insulation along the inside of the fence once the weather gets warmer, Marshall stated.
He noted planning staff recommend four pine trees should be planted along the side of a board fence on the property.
“The applicant has explained that it would not be appropriate to plant any trees along the rear (east side) of the dog runs since this area is tile drained,” the report notes.
The report also notes the applicants plan to install electronic bark control devices in the dog runs.
The devices emit an ultrasonic noise, which can’t be heard by humans but is irritating to dogs when barking is detected.
Council directed staff to bring forward the draft bylaw at the next meeting.
