Update 8:39 a.m. Monday: CNW has learned that Michel Lalonde’s deputation has been postponed due to a family emergency.
SD&G – County councillors will hear more about an ongoing issue with driveways on County Road 18 in South Glengarry.
Property owner Michel Lalonde is scheduled to speak at the county council meeting Monday morning (March 20) shortly after it starts at 9 a.m.
He had been granted conditional approval to sever part of his property at 19001 County Road 18, east of Martintown, to create three parcels.
But the issue is with driveways for the potential new development – something that is heavily restricted on a county road that – in this case – sees over 1,100 vehicles a day.
Lalonde had appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, which ruled largely against him following a December 2016 hearing.
According to the OMB ruling, Lalonde had argued that the shared driveway would be dangerous, especially for children, and would lead to arguments with neighbours. He also told the OMB it would be too expensive to remove a rock wall, three feet high and nine feet high, on the boundary line of the properties to allow for a shared driveway.
Lalonde also told the OMB that having to change his circular driveway would “affect the aesthetics of the front yard” of his existing home.
But the county said separate driveways would not meet their official plan rules of being at least 350 meters apart (1,148 feet) on a county road nor a limitation of three or five driveways per kilometer on a high-use road.
The United Counties also successfully argued that Lalonde had not satisfied the OMB that appealed condition was unreasonable.
The county did propose an alternate clause in the agreement, accepted by the OMB, which would specifically outline rights and responsibilities for the current and future property owners.
South Glengarry council received the report last month (Feb. 6) during its meeting.
The county council meeting starts at 9 a.m.