Angelstone Tournaments is a permitted use for agricultural land, according to the Ontario Municipal Board.
On Jan. 22 board member Sharyn Vincent delivered a written decision dismissing an appeal from neighbours.
Nancy and Fred Gilbert, who own property adjacent to Angelstone on Wellington Road 50, appealed the town’s decision to provide permanent zoning for the company’s summer equine events.
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, the OMB heard testimony and arguments from Nancy Gilbert, Angelstone CEO Keean White, six expert witnesses, three participants and two monitors retained by the town.
In her decision, Vincent said the board finds Angelstone Tournaments is consistent with provincial planning documents.
“The board considered the innovative techniques to be in conformity with the Growth Plan 2017 initiatives and consistent with the PPS (Provincial Policy Statement) policies for the protection and promotion of agricultural uses and therefore prefers the evidence of the town,” Vincent wrote.
“The board finds that subject to the modification discussed in this decision, the board will amend the zoning bylaw and dismiss the appeal.”
Vincent added in her decision the Gilberts’ principal concerns “fall to the nuisance and the diminution of the peace and quiet” they have enjoyed.
However, she compared Angelstone’s Saturday night events to annual maple syrup tapping, pick-your-own markets or public festivals that are seasonal in nature.
Vincent also ruled the town “diligently attempted to mediate the issues” surrounding Angelstone.
She added one amendment to the bylaw: limiting the maximum number of major event days to 25 in any given calendar year.
In an email to the Advertiser, Nancy Gilbert said she found the decision “very disappointing and it took me a while to deal with it.
Background
During Angelstone’s 2013 season, the town received numerous complaints from neighbours.
The town then concluded Angelstone did not have the proper zoning to conduct the events.
Angelstone was granted temporary zoning bylaws in 2014, 2015 and 2016 before being granted permanent zoning in April 2017.
The zoning allows Angelstone to use its property for equine competitions, camping for staff and the sale of equestrian merchandise and food and beverages.
The Gilberts appealed the decision in May 2017.
