Council here appears set to approve a zoning amendment to allow a tire sales and repair shop on a three-acre parcel of land along McGivern Street (Wellington Road 10) across from Maryborough Public School.
The rezoning of the property would permit Moorefield Tire to build a shop for retail sales and repair of car, truck and agricultural tires. The amendment would also permit the use of private septic services on a temporary basis. The rezoning is a condition of a severance application granted provisional consent by the Wellington County land division committee.
Following an Oct. 10 public meeting on the proposal, applicant Lloyd Brubacher of Moorefield Tire submitted a traffic study and a revised site plan in response to concerns raised by neighbouring property owners.
The study indicated the busiest hour in the morning is estimated at 13 trips (eight cars in and five cars out) and the busiest hour in the afternoon is estimated at 21 trips (nine in and 12 out).
The study identified that other commercial and industrial uses currently permitted by the existing C1 zoning on the site could generate much more traffic in comparison to the proposed tire shop. The study also concluded the business would not generate the need for any improvements to Wellington Road 11.
The study also recommended the proposed driveway be aligned with the existing Murray Group driveway across the road to minimize turning conflicts.
However councillor Dennis Craven suggested a different driveway placement in order to keep the driveway as far away from the school as possible.
Wellington County Senior Planner Curtis Marshall said the driveway placement could be looked at as part of the site control process.
Councillor Michael Martin, who stated on Oct. 10 he felt the operation would be best located in an industrial park setting, said at the Nov. 28 meeting, “I do support the current application.”
Martin, who lives near the proposed development, said he “separated my personal and professional opinion on this” and concluded the tire shop “should be able to fit into the neighbourhood.”
However, he maintained, “In a perfect world … this belongs in an industrial park.”
Mayor Neil Driscoll expressed support for the local business, which is currently located on Concession 8 at the southwest corner of Moorefield.
“With Mapleton being 90 per cent agriculture, I think it’s important we have a tire shop,” said Driscoll.
Councillor Marlene Ottens said, “I think council wants to support any business that wants to stay in our area.”
She added, “I don’t have a problem with the driveway. It makes sense being across from the Murray Group.”
Craven said, “I do not want to be part of a council that gets blamed for losing another business.”
Council passed a resolution directing staff to prepare an amending bylaw for consideration, including provisions to accommodate the applicant’s requests for a front yard setback of 38 metres instead of 26 and installation of a loading dock at the front of the building.
