At Perth’s recent council meeting, an application to rezone 2000 Rogers Road from Industrial to Business Park was approved.
One of the major concerns of the project, dubbed by the applicant as “Unity Square,” from neighbouring residents was the potential loss of the current buffer zone including trees which help to abate noise and light trespass.
Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson amended the new zoning bylaw to state the trees would remain in place in perpetuity.
Town Planner Joanna Bowes warned that the amended bylaw would likely be struck down by the Ontario Land Tribunal if any appeal was launched.
She also reminded council that because she couldn’t support the amendment, if an OLT appeal was filed, she wouldn’t be able to defend the town’s position due to her advice on the record, requiring the hiring of another planner for the appeal.
She also reminded council that a one-foot reserve was registered on the residential subdivision’s property to protect against any future incursion of commercial activity.
Council also approved an official plan amendment to recognize the new zoning which requires ratification by Lanark County.
Learn more about the project here.
Story by Brian Turner