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Innisfil holds off on major zoning bylaw changes

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In Innisfil
Jul 7th, 2010
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By Chris Simon Innisfil Scope July 7 2010
Town council will await the completion of construction work along Innisfil Beach Road Precinct 2B and 3, before making any significant zoning bylaw changes.
Staff presented an update on the Innisfil Beach Road Zoning Bylaw Study to council during a recent meeting. The study will attempt to address open space, right of way, landscaping, signage and building and parking standards for properties located near the roadway.
“Upon the completion of the construction of Precinct 2B and 3, a further review of the study (will) be undertaken by staff, followed by the scheduling of a public meeting,” said planning manager Ross Cotton. “The proposal supports the fact that council places a very high priority on fostering the creation of jobs in Innisfil … and that the town will give priority to non-residential development applications providing employment opportunities. Commercial core areas create jobs and define the character of communities.”
The project, which has been undertaken by MBPD Inc., began in July 2008.
The rezoning could require several significant changes to homes and businesses located along the road, with the most noticeable difference involving lot frontages. Under proposed changes, new buildings would be expected to be constructed one to four metres from the roadway.
The study has included discussions with local organizations and town staff, working groups and public meetings. During that time, issues over the timing of the project, the number of uses proposed for land along a stretch of the road between the 25th Sideroad and Lake Simcoe, the preservation of green space, traffic, parking, and pollution have been raised.
Other issues discussed have included Innisfil Beach Park lighting, and conformity with the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
“This is very important, it’s going to have dramatic impact on the landscape of Precinct 3,” said mayor Brian Jackson.
“It’s very important the public participate in this, because there will be a dramatic change down there. Everyone needs to pay attention.”
However, council will proceed with a number of ‘minor’ housekeeping issues related to the zoning bylaw.
The new provisions will set minimum deck and covered porch encroachment setbacks, and the number and size of disabled parking spaces within the town.
“The study also identified a number of housekeeping related provisions … which would benefit not only Innisfil Beach Road but other areas of the town,” said Cotton.
The housekeeping items will be presented to council for debate during an upcoming meeting.

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