HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-11-13, Page 1The differing views between
Morris-Turnberry and North Huron
councils regarding the future
development potential of highway
commercial property on the fringe of
Wingham had county councillors
choosing sides at the Nov. 5
meeting.
At issue is a modification to a
deferred portion of Morris-
Turnberry’s official plan. Director of
planning for Huron Scott Tousaw
explained that the policy was put in
by the Ontario Municipal Board
several years ago. It stated that
grocery and food stores and the
retail sale of food stuffs be
prohibited in the highway
commercial designation on this land.
This would not prohibit a fast food,
drive-in or takeout restaurant.
Morris-Turnberry, however, would
like to see that changed to say that
grocery and food stores would be
permitted provided there was no
space available in the downtown
core, a market study is done and it
wouldn’t undermine the planned
function of the core.
Tousaw said that the planning
department’s recommendation was
that the original modification be
maintained. However, the planning,
agriculture and public works
committee decided to go along with
Morris-Turnberry’s request and
recommended county council adopt
it.
North Huron councillor Neil
Vincent expressed his objections.
“This is a subject we have dealt with
quite a bit. I really feel when there is
an OMB-negotiated decision, it
should be up to the OMB to remove
the restriction.”
Councillor Ben Van Diepenbeek
wondered if the M-T request was
consistent with other municipalities
on commercial highway zoning.
“Both versions are consistent,”
said Tousaw. Morris-Turnberry is
not asking for anything unusual. On
the other hand when there are land
use issues where policies are
specified that’s not unusual either.”
Tousaw added that in fairness to
Morris-Turnberry they are feeling
somewhat “hard done by because
most official plans do allow for
groceries subject to market study.”
“But here we have special
circumstances,” said Tousaw, adding
that core grocery stores have lodged
objections.
Councillor Murray Scott of North
Huron said that while his council
was willing to work with Morris-
Turnberry on developing this
property they fear that should the
county endorse the recommendation
there would again be an OMB
hearing with all the costs involved.
Morris-Turnberry councillor
Dorothy Kelly said that they had let
North Huron access land for
residential and kept this portion for
development. “We have had two
developers walk away because the
plan is not in place. That’s all we’re
asking is to let them have the
It has been a long time coming,
but county council voted at its Nov.
5 meeting to install a stop sign
facing west bound traffic on
Brandon Road in Ethel.
The T-intersection consists of
County Road 19 south, Country
Road 19 east and Brandon Road
west. Currently traffic coming from
Brandon Road into the village have a
stop sign.
Information to the county’s
planning, agriculture and public
works committee from Mike Alcock,
civil engineering technologist said
that one stop sign does not provide
the required level of control.
As it is now, a northbound vehicle
can turn west and a westbound
vehicle can turn south without the
requirement of yielding to oncoming
traffic.
Alcock explained that should both
of these vehicles arrive at the
intersection at the same time the
only law would be the right-hand
rule (at an uncontrolled intersection
a vehicle must yield to the vehicle on
its right).
“There is no precedent for using
the right-hand rule on Huron County
roads. If a motor vehicle collision
was to occur at this intersection the
county would needlessly be exposed
to liability,” Alcock said in his
report.
There are sufficient funds in the
public works maintenance budget to
cover installation of a stop sign.
“I just want to thank council,” said
Huron East councillor Joe Seili. “For
years and years this has been an
issue and the residents have been
asking for something to be done. So
thank you.”
Ethel intersection finally
gets requested stop sign
The clock is ticking for Huron
County to find a new medical officer
of health.
At the Nov. 5 meeting of council
Goderich councillor John Grace,
chair of the health, ambulance and
social services committee explained
that the Middlesex-London board of
health will extend the agreement for
sharing the medical officer of health
until January. He asked what the
county has been doing to find a
replacement.
Director of human resources
Darcy Michaud said that postings
have been sent, but there has been no
feedback at this point. He said there
would be a report to the board.
“The next process is recruitment.
We are actively pursuing
candidates,” he said, adding that this
is not an issue specific to Huron, so
they have been working
collaboratively with other health
units on recruitment.
“This is a real issue,” said Grace.
“We will have a hard time recruiting
a medical officer of health. As chair
I question our approach. We need to
step up our process and the board
needs to be brought up to speed.
Time is running out.”
Councillor George Robertson of
South Huron wondered about the
possibility of sharing an MOH with
another neighbour when the
Middlesex-London agreement
expires.
Grace said he found it perplexing
that some of these issues hadn’t been
addressed.
Warden John Bezaire of Central
Huron reminded Grace that the
board of health had passed a motion
that the county do the hiring process.
“There’s no ambiguity here. I’m not
sure what else needs to be said.”
Grace responded that if the job is
not being filled someone “needs to
come up with Plan B.”
Bezaire countered, “If you’re
questioning the county’s ability to
lead this process, then ask the board
to reconsider the request. I’m not
sure this is the time to lead the
debate. If you wish to take issue the
board is the place to do it.”
Clock ticking
on MOH hiring
CitizenTh
e
$1.25 GST included Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Volume 24 No. 45ENVIRONMENT- Pg. 13County gets update on emeraldash borer LAW AND ORDER - Pg. 21County holds off on grouppolicing decisionREMEMBRANCE- Pg. 7Service to country inspiresCorporal’s poemPublications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 PAP Registration No. 09244 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0INSIDE THIS WEEK:
To honour
With wet snow falling, the community of Brussels turned out to the cenotaph at the Legion for
the annual Remembrance Day service. Wreaths and poppies were placed to honour the
veterans who gave their lives for freedom and in memory of loved ones who have passed
away. Padre Sandra Yule led the service. Another service followed at Duff’s United Church,
while that afternoon Legion members conducted a service at Huronlea County Home for the
Aged. Pipe band members Jamie Mitchell and Alan Ghent place their poppies. (Vicky Bremner
photo)
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
Request splits county
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
Continued on page 6