At its Jan. 11 meeting, Mapleton council was divided on a proposed severance of a portion of a property described as part of Lot 10, Concession 7 of Maryborough.
Council originally considered the application on Dec. 14 and turned it down based on the number of outbuildings on the severed portion.
The applicant, David Benjamins, resubmitted the application with changes, but with the desire to retain the outbuildings. He indicated he would be willing to remove the hay shed, and agreed to limits being placed on the amount of livestock on the property.
The potential purchaser, Mike Service, said he wished to use a drive shed on the property for storage of tools, equipment and antique tractors. He told council he would use the barn to stable two horses and store hay, straw and feed. He also wants to use the shed on the property to store manure.
Councillors seemed to have a dilemma concerning the retention of the outbuildings. Councillor Andy Knetsch said it made no sense to tear down good buildings and added two horses and antique tractors do not constitute a farm.
Mayor Bruce Whale was concerned the severance, with the outbuildings, was creating a hobby farm, but he called a vote to bring forward a bylaw permitting the outbuildings.
Councillors Knetsch and Neil Driscoll voted in favour, with councillors Jim Curry and Mike Downey opposed. Whale cast the deciding vote in turning down the proposed bylaw.
The applicant has the option to appeal council’s decision to the Ontario Municipal Board and Benjamins indicated when he left the meeting that he was considering that course.
