MAPLETON – The owners of a farm on the eastern edge of Drayton are seeking a rezoning to allow the creation of an outdoor ice rink and change rooms.
“We’re just trying to make a outdoor rink for the community and we want to do it for our neighbours and friends and especially the church community,” said Mervin Weber, who owns the site along Wellington Road 8, during an April 11 public meeting on the proposal.
A report from township planner Linda Redmond notes this type of use is not generally permitted within an agriculture area and the proposed location is on land deemed prime agriculture.
However, the report notes the county’s official plan does permit limited recreational uses within a rural area subject to certain criteria.
“In this instance, there are some compelling reasons to consider this use at this location,” the report states.
“The farm is located directly adjacent to the urban boundary of Drayton and the eastern portion of the farm is located within the urban boundary.
“The proximity to the urban centre makes this location more ideal than a location that would be surrounded by livestock facilities that could create conflicts.”
The report continues, “The rink as proposed will be an outdoor rink which will limit the time it is used to seasonal only.
“The user group is part of the Mennonite community who benefit from a more rural setting for their activities.”
Redmond stated, “It’s also going to be utilized by the Mennonite community, which, in our official plan, there are special provisions to accommodate these types of communities in our county.
“So from that perspective, we felt it was maybe appropriate to be located in the rural area as well.”
Redmond pointed out the proposal is only for a temporary use, but suggested council could make it permanent if it chooses.
“If council goes with the temporary use, it’s only going to be allowed for three years max, and then they have to come back for renewal every three years,” she explained.
Weber told council his research shows “mental wellness” is listed among the benefits of playing hockey.
“And we all know how much mental health issues there are in the world today,” he observed.
The report notes that no concerns about the proposal were expressed by commenting agencies and several letters of support were received from residents of neighbouring properties.
However, the Mapleton building department pointed out the department will require more detailed information regarding occupant loads and adequate sanitary servicing before a building permit can be issued.
No one spoke in opposition to the proposal at the public meeting.
“This is a wonderfully generous thing that you’re doing,” said councillor Marlene Ottens, who asked if the facility would be lit.
“Are there any concerns then with the lights and the noise, being it’s close to a seniors residence (Conestoga Crest seniors apartments)?” she asked.
“The zoning bylaw does have provisions in terms of lighting facilities and there’s requirements for how … it’s cast, where it is to reflect onto,” said Redmond.
“With respect to the noise, the noise bylaw would be the tool that would speak to that.”
Mayor Gregg Davidson asked Weber if hockey activities would be cut off after a certain time in the evening.
Weber said hockey games would generally take place between about 8:30 and 10:30 or 11pm.
“I did think of the seniors home and I did email them specifically and asked if there would be any issues with this,” Weber added.
“And they said that they had a (residents) council meeting and that there were no issues.”
“I think it’s a great spot,” said councillor Michael Martin.
“I like how the rink’s proposed to be kept kind of within the cluster of the farm buildings … It’s it’s not spreading out into the fields too much.
“And you’ve certainly got the support of your neighborhood … which, for these things, means an awful lot, typically.”
Martin suggested council approve the rezoning on a permanent basis.
Council passed a motion to accept the planning report as information and directed staff to prepare a report with recommendations for consideration, including allowing the rink permanently, rather than on a temporary basis.
