Citizen petition asks City Council to amend zoning bylaws

Recently, a petition made its way to City Council asking for consideration to amend the zoning bylaws in their neighbourhood.

“The people on the attached petition are asking City Council to amend the zoning bylaws of the Industrial site on McFarlane Lane to address the sandblasting occurring outside within 20 feet of residents on McLean Place,” reads the signed petition.

Planning and Development Manager Don McArthur explained that simply changing the zoning would not solve this issue as the property would then be legally non-conforming.

“Because the business operation on this site began in 2015, and therefore because the use began in 2015, it’s subject to the 2015 bylaw regulations,” said McArthur.

The property owner has indicated that they are willing to build a hut to contain the sandblasting site.

City Staff have also noted that the berm on the property requires better landscaping to help contain the dust.

Council did not vote on the matter as City Staff are currently working with the property owner to find a solution to the issue. An update on the issue is expected to be provided to Council at their next meeting.