At February 10th Council there is a staff report about an application for a boundary adjustment between 2 properties on the 19th SDRD. Like most applications in King it is complex; as reviewed, the policies of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) is the decision maker as the properties in the application are not within a settlement area. When I first learned about the application my intuitive response was that it was very reasonable and that there would be no harm to the Moraine. But once I read our Planner’s report I began to understand how the application, as is, could have unintended consequences, in the long term, to the detriment of the Moraine. An objective of the ORMCP is to maintain, improve or restore the Moraine; as this application results in creating a lot smaller than minimums prescribed there is concern whether the application is appropriate. The Staff report is very well written. Staff have recommended refusing the application.
Hi Debbie,
I have read through the report and I cannot help but think that the planners are NOT being reasonable. I realize that they are following the letter of the ORMCP, but at some point, common sense must prevail. Thinking that because this areas is zoned agricultural and therefore must be maintained as that is wrong headed. That area is not being used agriculturally now and its proximity to residential and commercial areas makes it very unlikely to be so any time in the future. I would be happy to talk to you about this if you think I am not understanding the issues, but I find I am increasingly frustrated with the idealistic and unreasonable approach of our current town planners. I hope I don’t sound too harsh, but I do want to make the point.
With respect to you and good wishes.
Clare
Hello Clare, It is really about “where do you draw the line.” As there is going to be further discussion between Staff and proponent to assess various options I think we should wait to see what the outcome is. I will say that I know very well that it is very easy and tempting to “chip away” at the ORMCP. I don’t see myself as one to help that happen.