Collingwood gives OK to B&B

By Morgan Ian Adams Enterprise-Bulletin

COLLINGWOOD — An application to rezone a west-end residence to allow a bed and breakfast will go ahead.

Councillors voted 6-1 — with Deputy-mayor Rick Lloyd stepping away from the table because it’s his house — in favour of the rezoning application put forward by prospective buyers for the home.

The vote also comes in spite of what appeared to be widespread neighbourhood opposition to the change, and a petition of about 50 homeowners who live in the Forest subdivision that sits just inside the edge of the municipal boundary line.

Councillor Joe Gardhouse attempted to get councillors to consider a motion requiring council to give the OK to a site plan agreement as a means to pacify the neighbours, but that was turned down as being unnecessarily officious.

After questioning the costs and timing for a site plan agreement to work through municipal channels — and being told it would cost about $5,000 and take about two months — Councillor Ian Chadwick called Gardhouse’s proposal “overly bureaucratic.”

Chadwick also questioned the town’s director of planning Nancy Farrer whether requiring a site plan agreement — which would address issues such as landscaping, parking, and how a buffer would be created between the ‘use’ and neighbouring homes — would create a precedent.

Farrer said while it wouldn’t create a precedent, it could potentially become part of her department’s review process.

However, she added, the department only deals with a bed and breakfast rezoning application every three or four years.

While Gardhouse, and Councillor Dale West, argued in favour — West noted he had no issue creating a precedent if it provided assurances to neighbours — Chadwick and Councillor Sandy Cunningham both stated it would create an unnecessary layer of red tape.

“To throw in more rules, I just don’t see the point of it,” said Cunningham.

Several neighbours were in the audience to witness the vote; one woman stood and attempted to address council after the vote, but was called to order by Mayor Sandra Cooper.