A proposal to rezone a small parcel of land from a 150-acre farm property in Wellington North will move ahead after council voted 3-2 in favor of the plan.
But the rezoning, sought by Duane and Marlene Brubacher on their property on Concession 2, came close to defeat after concerns were raised about two metal buildings located on the parcel along with an existing house.
Mr. Brubacher told council at a public meeting Monday evening the intent is to sell the property once it is rezoned residential. The metal buildings combined are about 7,500 square feet.
Councillor Andy Lennox said he was concerned the combined square footage was “excessive” for a residential lot.
“I would prefer to see one of these structures removed,” he said. “With that much floor area there might be a temptation to use it for commercial.”
Vince Starratt of Grant & Acheson LLP represented the couple and said the buildings fit in with the agricultural setting.
“We’d like to keep them for storage,” he said on behalf of his clients. “It also maintains the esthetics.”
Starratt added the decision to keep both buildings was based on the cost of demolishing one or both.
Mayor Ray Tout said he was also concerned about the possibility of a commercial venture setting up shop in the buildings in the future.
The mayor initially sided with Coun. Lennox and Coun. Mark Goetz in their opposition to the rezoning which had the support of Coun. Dan Yake and Coun. Sherry Burke.
However following a conference call with Wellington County planner Linda Redmond, who was unable to attend the meeting due to poor weather, Tout decided to support the rezoning.
The planner said she believed retaining the buildings would have no impact on the surrounding area.
“I don’t see it as a big issue.” She told council any commercial venture would require another rezoning to be allowed on the property.
Tout said he was satisfied with the planner’s explanation and voted in favor of the plan.
