Though it officially opened its doors earlier this year, CountrySense now has the official zoning needed to sell agricultural supplies.
On June 24, Centre Wellington held a public meeting regarding a proposed bylaw amendment switching the land at 680 Gartshore Street from “M2” General Industrial to “M2” General Industrial Site Specific.
The effect of the amendment is to permit a retail outlet for agricultural supplies.
The business sells supplies for farming, hardware, work wear, hunting, animals and equine, pets and home improvement.
Managing director of planning and development Brett Salmon explained the land is an industrially-zoned property.
“Council may recall that last fall, a new retail outlet opened in a portion of the existing building.”
He suggested the enterprise sells a similar mix of products as a TSC store – which is farm oriented retail products.
Salmon explained “It came to our attention the use had gone in there – but it is not a use currently permitted.” The owner was given notice to come into compliance, Salmon said.
With the aid of a planner, the business owners made application to add the sale of agricultural products to the existing zoning.
A report outlined why this operation is unique and how the location better serves the farm community.
No objections were raised.
Councillor Fred Morris asked if this did not alter whether or not the location could ever revert to an industrial site.
Salmon said the change is only to allow the additional use.
He noted there were some interior upgrades to accommodate the retail use – to meet building code requirements.
Councillor Walt Visser asked if there were any issues raised by neighbours or staff.
Salmon said there are fire code requirements which will be applied, and the business owners had taken interim steps to address what the fire department requires – including regular patrols of the building.
“They are in compliance with what they were asked to do.”
Applicant Allan Ramsay of Ramsay Planning said CountrySense is about 15,000 sq ft.
Only a portion is used as a retail showroom display area.
He added that roughly 75 per cent of the operation deals with the warehouse aspect such as bulk seeds and fertilizer.
As a result the business does not fit the typical standard commercial area.
Ramsay believed the operation fit with the idea of an industrial area.
