Opposes application

Dear Editor:

COVID-19 is increasing its spread here and elsewhere. Small businesses are struggling.

So it is with great disappointment and frustration that I read about the application for zoning amendment on a newly acquired property on Wellington Road 125.

The proposed use for part of the property is a wedding venue, projecting 150 guests, housed in tents and using porta-potties in the first of four planned phases. By phase 2/3 the barn is renovated and barn parties begin. By phase 3/4, the restriction of events year-round is lifted.

There will be a virtual public meeting on Dec. 16 (6pm) including a presentation on the proposal and delegations following. I encourage residents, neighbours and users of #125 to delegate and voice their comments on the proposal impact on their lives.

Visit the Erin website or email neighbourhoodconnections@gmail.com for more info.

This proposal is a deja vu of the Angelstone situation. Council had to deal with numerous major Angelstone neighbourhood complaints, expending a great deal of council, staff and residents’ energy and cost to reach acceptable resolutions. As demonstrated during the Angelstone confrontation, special events really should be held in commercial/industrial areas.

Why is Erin council entertaining this application? The application was filed in April. COVID-19 was already well on the radar. From examples, we know wedding venues are mega spreaders. People come from other communities/regions/countries to attend the event, with little attention to precautionary health advice.

We look to governments for leadership in this fight. Recovery from COVID-19 devastations (health-wise and financially) will not be for a few years at best, longer at worst.

Erin council has the unenviable job of keeping a balance between keeping our communities healthy and keeping businesses viable.  I pray Erin council considers the health of its citizens and dealing with COVID-19 as a priority.

Without healthy residents, the economy cannot revive.

I ask council to make the common-sense and responsible decision to oppose this application until COVID-19 is well under control and the economy is on its way to recovery.

Anna Spiteri, Neighbourhood Connection member, Erin