After three years of temporary rezoning bylaws, Angelstone Tournaments is seeking permanent zoning for its summer equestrian events in 2017 and beyond.
Angelstone originally applied for a permanent zoning bylaw in 2013 for the 2014 season, but were given a temporary bylaw to work through “significant concerns,” said John Cox, a planner for Angelstone, at a public meeting on Nov. 15.
The permanent rezoning of the property at 8720 Wellington Road 50 is to permit equestrian competitions, camping for staff necessary for the care and security of horses and the sale of merchandise, food and beverages.
Wellington County planner Gary Cousins said there were a number of issues with the road access, drainage and noise, resulting in complaints from the public. In 2015, the town put a monitor in place, which resulted in “a major improvement in 2015,” he said.
Cousins said the noise issue had been monitored again in 2016. The monitors described off site noise as “no noise detected,” “faint” or “reasonable” Cousins said.
“There was a fair effort made by the town to be sure they understood what was happening on the property,” he said.
Cox said Angelstone had originally started the equine events under the assumption that it was an agricultural activity, which was permitted under the original zoning. However, he added, that Angelstone has been working with the town to improve the property and remedy the noise issues.
“They have proven themselves over the past couple of years, beyond that the town still has a significant level of control over what happens at the Angelstone site through the major event permit bylaw requirement,” said Cox.
Neighbours Nancy and Fred Gilbert, who appealed the early 2016 temporary bylaw to the Ontario Municipal Board, still have concerns.
Nancy read a letter to council outlining the reasons why Angelstone should not be awarded the permanent zoning. She said in the early years the couple “went from peace and quiet to disaster,” listing a number of issues.
“Some of the earlier issues have been dealt with by the town; however the attitude of Angelstone remains the same,” she said.
“Everything is done to the bare minimum to meet the requirements of the town.”
She alleges Angelstone “took advantage of the town’s complacency and lack of action” and said “whatever Anglestone requests, Angelstone gets.”
Nancy also pointed to inconsistencies with other municipalities regarding the proper use of agricultural lands and challenged that what Angelstone is doing is not agricultural.
She asked council to consider reports from agricultural specialist Janice Janiec and planning consultant James Webb, who both said that the equine event operation at Angelstone is not an agricultural use.
Councillor Matt Sammut asked if Angelstone’s use fits in the agricultural label when the two reports provided say otherwise.
Cousins replied that he will look into those reports.
Councillor Jeff Duncan asked if Angelstone would be considered a different type of agriculture.
“Angelstone operation is a non-typical farm operation from a local perspective,” he said.
“I feel we are dealing with a primarily an agricultural use with an agri-tourism aspect to it,” said Cox.
Anna Spiteri, a member of the community group Neighbourhood Connections, said the group has many objections to the rezoning, including the size and location of Angelstone.
Spiteri cautioned the town that approving this request will set a precedent for other businesses to skirt the permitted uses of properties.
Cousins will bring a report to council in the coming weeks.
Angelstone is planning for five events in the 2017 season.
