Dysart et al council will have to wait until the new year to officially usher in changes to its official plan and zoning bylaw, in a move that will allow sheds and gazebos to be built close to a lake’s shoreline.
At a Dec. 9 public meeting, Jeff Iles, the township’s director of planning, said the latest proposal will allow gazebos to be placed along the water, providing they’re five metres from shore, while storage sheds will be permitted on lots that have a minimum 15 per cent slope incline from the shore to their residence.
A previous amendment to allow saunas within 10 metres of shore was dropped at a Nov. 25 meeting. They will be permitted 20 metres from shore, as per the township’s existing policy.
There was also a new provision requiring people to ensure any structure is fitting with the surrounding community.
“To address the visual impacts [to neighbours on the lake], the policy change has been updated to note the design of gazebos and sheds, including the exterior design, shall blend with natural surroundings and be screened from the view from the lake and neighbouring lots,” Iles said.
The township received nine new comments, with eight speaking against the change and one in favour. This was in-line with previous public discussions on the file – at a July public meeting, one of 18 speakers supported the plan. Last month, four residents attended a Nov. 25 public meeting to speak in favour of the move, with two against.
A public survey conducted earlier this year drew 735 responses, with 56 per cent in favour of the previous change – which was to allow gazebos within zero metres of shore, a shed within five metres and a sauna within 10 metres. Iles recommended against supporting that amendment.
This week, the planning director advised council a deferral is necessary due to recent changes to Ontario’s Planning Act.
“Amendments removed the municipality’s approval or right to address exterior design of residential buildings, including accessory buildings. This is something included in the policy today,” Iles said Tuesday. “Staff recommend deferral so we can amend those policies.”
Iles said that would also give him time to address legal and technical concerns brought forward by Harcourt Park Inc. He said the file would be brought back for a third public meeting in January. Council is currently scheduled to meet Jan. 27.
Council agreed to defer the file.
