A new farm equipment sales business received the go-ahead from Minto council at the July 23 meeting.
Following a public meeting, council approved a rezoning application by Von Westerholt Farms for three properties at the corner of Pike Lake Road and the 8th line of Minto.
Part Lot 11, Concession 9 was rezoned from Agricultural to Site Specific Agricultural Commercial (AC) Exception, to allow a farm equipment sales and servicing facility and recognize Minimum Separation Distance 1 deficiencies.
Two adjoining farm properties, Lots 10 and 11 on Concession 8 were also rezoned to ensure their ability to expand livestock operations would not be limited.
Wellington County Planner Linda Redmond noted in her report that since the proposed business, Maple Lane Equipment Sales, is agriculture-related, it is consistent with the amended zoning.
Under the zoning, “as a general rule, land use activities that support agriculture will be encouraged,” Redmond explained in her report to council.
“The only concern was DMS. We wanted to ensure the farms in the immediate vicinity were protected for future expansion,” said Redmond.
The report notes the zoning change relieves the surrounding farms of the requirement to meet MDS setbacks from the commercial operation in the event of future expansion.
No one spoke in opposition to the project during the public meeting and council passed a bylaw approving the rezoning during regular business.
“It’s nice to welcome a new business to the Town of Minto,” said mayor George Bridge.
