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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-12-11, Page 7WOInesday, December 11, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 7 Who should have the Official Plan comes back to council Lynda HIIIman-Rapley OMI Agency For the second time to as many weeks, Lambton Shores council member Doug Bonesteel displayed his discontent that not everyone can have a copy of the draft Official flan (()P), Lambton Shores council has been working on the OI' since 2007 -it is now in its fifth draft. It has not been finalized, with the hopes of that happening in 2014. The public can read it, in this draft form, and is available at the municipal offices and the libraries. At the November 7th meeting Planner Patti Richardson recommended that council receive the (craft and in order to keep the public informed and engaged, it was recommended that council approve the following actions: 1. That Draft 5 of the Lambton Shores Official Plan be placed on the Municipal Website; 2. That the public he advised on the Municipal web- site that Compact Disk copies of Draft 5 of the Launbton Shores Official Plan are available from the Planner upon request; 3. 'l'1IAT the public lw advised on the Municipal website that any comments or (Ittestons respecting Draft 5 of the Lambton Shores Official Plan be forwarded in writing to the Planner and will be answered in writing at a Council meeting; 4. 1'1 IAT a copy of the anticipated schedule for the Official Plan review process as approved by Council on Octo- ber 3, 2013 be placed on the Municipal website; 5. TI IA's' printed copies of Draft 5 of the Lambton Shores Official Plan be placed in all Lampton Shores Municipal Offices and libraries. Staff was directed to follow these recommendations and at the November 21st meeting Bonesteel asked that community groups such as Southcott Pines Association be given a copy of the draft. That motion was carried. To date, five copies have been made for identifiable com- munity groups, copies have been sent to the five libraries and the three municipal offices, and (:I)s have been distributed to anyone that has asked. In a report from CAO Kevin Williams he explained the draft plan and neaps are now easily accessed from the home page of the Municipal Website. Also in his memorandum he asked for further clarification from council on its intended distribution of printed copies. "Staff has received requests from individual members of community groups wishing their own personal copy, and also requests from individuals claiming to represent unor- ganized groups of neighbours or business colleagues. To this point, staff has interpreted council's direction as pertaining to only commonly recognized and often incorporated groups such as registered neighbourhood associations (ie 'Ihe South- cott Pines Park Association)." Williams explained that staff has advised individuals of alternative locations for printing all or part of the document ' for their own purposes. "Requests of staff to print copies for individuals have been denied. The cost of each printed copy has been calculated at $22.33 each plus 1/2 hour of staff time Ligtit up Zurich CONTEST Join in the, fun! Judging Saturday Dec. 14th From 7pm - 9pm ZURICH and DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ali Staff has received requests from individual members of community groups wishing their own personal copy, and also requests from individuals claiming to represent unorganized groups of neighbours or business colleagues. — CAO Kevin Williams to collate and hind a single copy," he told council. "Staff is comfortable with its interpretation of council's motion, however it is evident that some individuals wish a broader interpretation, or even removal of the "commu- nity group" restriction in the interest of public access." Ile again asked council for more clarification as to what they want. Because there will be changes from now until the final approval slated for' 2014, people can read the changes on tht' web site. At the November '21st meeting Bonesteel said he could not understand why there was opposition to his request that associations cotll(1 have copies of this multi -hundred -page document. At the December 5th meeting Bonesteel wanted to go a step further saying every businessperson should also get a copy. I le said no one should he deprived of a copy Of the document. Councilor Martin Underwood said people could see it at Lampton Shores libraries. Deputy mayor Elizabeth Davis Dagg said this request could get out of control and it is this council's responsibility to slake sure they don't spend "our money foolishly." She reiterated it is available at other places. Mayor Bill Weber asked about the changes. t le said the drafts that are available now are already outdated, as council has made changes. Ile reminded the council member the draft is on line and the changes are updated there. Council member Dave Maguire asked, "Where does it stop? We have everything on the website:' bonesteel said the cost should not be the issue and that he "gets the part about the updates", btu if a businessperson tVallts to Set' 111e document they should he able to sl't' It. "It's only a drab," said I lllderwood, "It changes all the time, the updates are (111 the computer." 1Villlatlls said Ill' does not have a clear direction i1S to what die L1LL 4.uppot owt compatiAttgl Grand Bend Lakeshore Advance Subscribe Today 519-238-5383 this council was asking for. 1 le said not everyone wants the same thing. "Some people want the maps, some ask about other parts. People have different heeds:' Bonesteel saki busi- ness people deserve to have a copy. "What about farmers?" asked councilor Doug Cook. "Where does this end?" Exasperated, Bonesteel again asked why they were quibbling over a few bucks.1 le was toll it was not about the dollars, but that the changes to the draft would not he on the hard copies he suggests everyone should have. 1Villianls suggested they put a few more copies in the municipal offices and people could take them out 011 a loan and staff will keep track of who borrows the documents. As for the changes- they will be 011 the website. Bonesteel took back his tuition and the CAO's suggestion was carried. 1 ATTENTION READERS "Take advantage of Our pricing for HAPPY NOTES Includes: iiirthdacs, Anniversaries Weddings, Engagements, Graduations etc. HAPPY RIR'I'HI)AY 111 (Name Person) (Date) 1 Love Mom & Dud Only $18.00 Plus H.S.T. Actual Size: Pre -Payment is Required Just bring in your photo & write-up and we'll do the rest Other Sites & Prices available upon request. Lift; ': 1 t 58 ()Mario SI., N. 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