Mark Kluge provided a summary of the Public Meeting Report. He advised the proposed zoning amendment application is to request amendments to the rear-yard sets backs for the two back yard structures. He stated the application is the result of a property standards complaint and By-Law Enforcement investigation. He stated no decision regarding the application would be made by Council at this meeting and the public commenting deadline was Friday, October 12th. He advised eleven letters have been received in support of the application, with no letters received in opposition with the exception of the initial by-law complaint.
Mayor Soloman thanked Mr. Kluge for his presentation. He reminded those in attendance that Public Meetings were livestreamed and recorded and requested those in attendance who wished to provide comments to come forward, state their name and address and provide their comments.
Paulo Farias and Amanda Farias, the property owners of 25 McIntyre Lane came before Council to provide their comments. Ms. Farias stated there are two structures which are close to their back fence. She was aware the Town had received a property standards complaint with respect to the structures, but was unsure as to the reasons for the complaint or which structure the complaint related to. She stated her family moved to the McIntyre property and this is the family's forever home. Time and money have been spent on the rear yard structures which they take great pride in both the workmanship and creation of their own backyard oasis. She commented that none of the structures were built with ill intent, malice or to circumvent any Town by-laws. The family moved to Grand Valley from Toronto and believed the structures were built within rear-yard zoning requirements. She requested forgiveness for the error and their failure to performing their due diligence on the zoning requirements. She advised the family was proceeding with the construction of a gazebo. They have submitted a building permit application and have paid their application fees for this permit. She commented that she was hopeful Council would support the zoning amendment so the existing two structures could remain in their location.
Mayor Soloman inquired of the Town Planner as to whether this type of zoning amendment application, would have come before Council in the past. Mr. Kluge advised requests for amendments to rear-yard setbacks is a common zoning amendment application and these types of requests have come before Council for approval in the past.
Paulo Farias, property owner at 25 McIntyre, provided additional comments that the Grand Valley Fire Chief and County Building Department reviewed the fireplace structure, and both have confirmed the structure meets fire and building code regulations.
Bibi Sahid a resident at 20 McIntyre Lane and neighbour of the property owners proved comments in support of the application. She stated the property owners moved to the area in 2020 during Covid and she has enjoyed the backyard environment the property owners have created. She requested Council approve the zoning amendment request.
Mark Kluge advised the public has until October 12th to provide comments which would be shared with the applicant and referred to in his final report to Council. He stated he believed the property currently meets the coverage requirements stated in the engineering comments received.
Mayor Soloman inquired as to whether Members of Council wished to provide comments.
Councillor Latam sought clarification regarding the engineer's comments regarding coverage and whether this related to hardscape and drainage easements. Mr. Kluge clarified coverage for rear-yards were for roof cover and not hardscape. Mr. Kluge advised there were no drainage easements.
Councillor Dart sought clarification regarding the proposed zoning amendment applications requests and whether anyone in attendance was in opposition of the application. Mr. Kluge advised the application was for rear-yard setbacks only. Comments from the gallery indicated they were in support of the application.
Councillor Latam inquired as to whether rear property owners were in attendance. Mr. Farias advised there was a rear yard neighbour in attendance.
Mayor Soloman thanked Council and the Public for their comments.
Mr. Kluge provided final comments advising Council would be provided with a final report regarding the application in November.