Centre Wellington continues to deal with farm severance rezonings on a case-by-case basis.
Last month, council held a public meeting to deal with the rezoning of a severed farm property. The former Nichol township property at 6741 Highway 6 lies north of Fergus south of Sideroad 10.
The purpose of the proposed zoning by-law amendment is to change the zoning of the subject land from “A” Agricultural and “EP” Environmental Protection to “A” Agricultural Exception and “EP” Environmental Protection.
The amendment will restrict residential uses on the retained lot.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said this is one of many similar applications the township has dealt with during this term of council.
Township planner Mariana Iglesias explained the rezoning was associated with a severance application.
She added the rezoning restricts residential development on the retained farm parcel which is 67 hectares/165 acres.
The 1.5 hectare residential parcel severed includes a dwelling and associated outbuildings.
Iglesias said no objections were received to the proposal.
Councillor Fred Morris said that since the provincial government has already indicated it is unwilling to allow prime farmland to be developed for residential purposes, “is this not redundant?”
Iglesias said the rezoning enacted by the municipality allows very small parcels to be removed from the agricultural designations.
Regardless of the provincial policy, Iglesias said bylaws are required to recognize specific land uses.
“Otherwise, residences are typically allowed on agricultural properties – unless you put site specific zoning in place.”
