Centre Wellington council has given an okay to pass a bylaw that will allow the expansion of Highland Pines campground at 6634 5th Line in old West Garafraxa.
Township planner Brett Salmon explained that the proposal has been at the township for some time, and in January, the county got the a required official plan amendment, which was passed in April. That allows the agricultural and aggregate land uses to be changed to recreational, and now proponent Don Vallery needs a zone change that will see a gravel pit be changed to recreational uses and wetlands.
Salmon said there are a number of provisions that Vallery must meet, dealing with the Ministry of Natural Resources, which has signed off on the pit licence, and the Ministry of Environment for the water supply and sewer services. He will also have to do a storm water management pond.
Salmon said the Grand River Conservation Authority also wants to be involved in the site plan approval, so it is now included. Salmon also noted there will have to be improvements to County Road 19 and the 5th Line.
He said the county has reviewed the zoning bylaw amendment and is satisfied with it.
Further, Salmon said, most of the issues that came up at public meetings last year were site plan control issues. One of those was concern for well water, but Salmon said the engineer is satisfied there will be no difficulties, but the MOE is involved, so there are some holding zones being set up to ensure the water supply.
Councillor Fred Morris asked if the pit will be rehabilitated.
Salmon said that has already started, and Vallery planted 5,000 trees on that site last year, and plans that area to become “trees and trails.” He added that Vallery has another “interesting idea” and that is to engineer wetlands and ponds. “We’re talking of substantial areas of new planting.”
Councillor Walt Visser said, “I understand the rehabilitation [of the pit] goes way beyond what is called for.”
Salmon said that is the case. All pits must be rehabilitated when they no longer produce gravel. Most are returned to their original purpose, but this one will be recreation and wetlands instead of the former agriculture.
Morris said there were concerns about noise.
Salmon said the applicant has already addressed that issue, largely through tight policing policies. “Highland Pines keeps a tight rein on its property.”
Council then approved the recommendation to pass the bylaw.
