Article content
“If the municipality continues to not support the application, my client will continue to farm the lands in perpetuity.”
Article content
Brown also questioned whether the site was ready for commercial development, saying additional road improvements, access approvals and infrastructure would still be required before businesses could locate there.
Article content
The proposal drew mixed reactions around the council table.
Article content
“I sort of have an uneasy feeling in my stomach,” said Coun. Heather Latam of Brown’s presentation to council. “It felt a little bit threatening and manipulative almost.
Article content
“I think the way the report was just given to us, it felt very one-way, and I feel like we’re travelling down parallel streets instead of together here.”
Article content
Coun. Anthony Abraham questioned whether preserving the land for future commercial development was the best use of the property, noting the province’s $41-million investment in Leamington’s wastewater services was intended, in part, to support continued growth of the greenhouse sector.
Article content
Abraham also argued greenhouse expansion generates additional investment throughout the local economy.
Article content
Article content
“I struggle with this one,” he said. “The greenhouse sector is what’s going to drive the light industrial and commercial that you’re looking for.”
Article content
Coun. Paul Tiessen said the application highlights the challenges that arise when urban and rural uses meet.
Article content
He noted the property, which was previously designated agricultural in 1987, has been designated for commercial use since 2008, meaning the debate was not about preserving farmland.
Article content
Greenhouses can be built on a variety of soil types, he said, while the municipality has a limited supply of commercial lands.
Article content
With the new infrastructure expected to open more development opportunities in the area, Tiessen said he felt preserving the site for future commercial use “makes good planning sense.”
Article content
Mayor Hilda MacDonald said Leamington has spent years pursuing servicing for employment lands and should preserve the community’s “best spot that’s left” for a future business park.
Article content
“We have to have balance,” MacDonald said. “We can’t just rely on the ag (agricultural) sector. We need to have those supportive industries.”
Article content
“If we allow this to go back to ag, we’re taking a step backwards rather than a step forward,” MacDonald added.
Article content
Council’s decision does not prevent the applicant from submitting another application in the future.
Article content
Article content