Delayed

Unexpected turn of events pushes back Quinte’s Isle Campark approval

What was expected to be a marathon planning meeting, with 13 deputations and 14 comments from the audience, was unexpectedly cut short last Tuesday evening. The special online meeting was scheduled in order to hear from the public, and to seek approval for the expansion of a development that would include an Official Plan and zoning amendment. The expansion of the seasonal trailer park is proposing to add 337 new trailer sites on lands that are currently designated as farmland.

After County Clerk Catalina Blumenberg called a brief recess, County Planner Matt Coffey explained that as part of large files, such as the Quinte’s Isle expansion, staff circulates the application to First Nations communities. As the expansion is large and controversial, the file was circulated to three First Nations communities. “In this particular case on the agenda tonight, I can advise that we notified three First Nations communities,” said Coffey. He explained that no response was received from two of the three who were contacted, but talks with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte had been ongoing. “Regarding Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, we have had conversations with staff throughout the year on this particular application,” said Coffey. “However, early today we got a letter from MBQ indicating that further consultation is still required.” Staff also received communications from The Huron- Wendat Nation in Quebec, stating they would like to be consulted, causing staff to want to defer for roughly two months to allow for an opportunity to meet with both groups.

CAO Marcia Wallace confirmed she had received a letter from the lawyer representing the proponent asking to have the vote at the top of the meeting and should council wish to support a deferral, this meeting would then be adjourned, arguing that the matter of hearing from the public and the proponent twice would not be the right course of action.

Mayor Steve Ferguson was caught by surprise, but wanted to still hear from the public who had provided deputations. “We’ve got 27 people who have prepared either comments or deputations. Deputations were all part of the agenda package. I am sure we have all read them and understand how passionate they are. From my perspective, I think the people that have put the work into making a deputation, or their comments, should be heard,” said Ferguson.

Councillor Phil St-Jean agreed, but did want to know if the deputations were presented, could they be presented again at a future date. Blumenberg referenced the procedural bylaw, confirming that the deputations would need to be different. “If we hear all the deputations tonight, according to procedural bylaw, if they were to come back when you are coming for a decision, they will have to be different and speak to something different to what they have already spoken to tonight,” said Blumenberg. Even with this being the case, St-Jean felt it was necessary to hear from the public.

“I believe we should proceed with the deputations out of respect for everyone who is here, both proponents and opponents, despite our procedural rules,” he said.

Councillor Janice Maynard stated that depending on the outcome of the conversations with the First Nations, the deputations may change. “I would suggest that if we are now going to have a two-month break, my preference would be to hear all the deputations. That will allow any deputants to make change to their comments and hear them all when it’s relevant and before a decision,” said Maynard.

Councillor Phil Prinzen suggested it was best to defer all comments. “I would like to see these deputations all deferred for a number of reasons. Staff is asking for a deferral. I was always taught you have to strike when the iron is hot. If we hear the deputations, we all know the deferral is coming. Nothing against the people that put a lot of work into it, they are going to be ahead in two months if you want to say that,” said Prinzen. Councillor Ernie Margestson agreed. “I would agree with deferral at this time because the staff recommendation may change pursuant to the further consultation that we are going to undertake,” added Margetson. “Until we know what the results of what the consultation is, then it will put relevance to any comments or deputations we do receive, so I support the deferral at this time, but I do recognize the people and the effort. I feel based on the information we have to support a deferral.”

A motion to defer all public deputations and comments to a future special council meeting passed, and the meeting was adjourned. Mayor Ferguson apologized for adjourning the meeting, and asked Coffey to try and speed the process up. “I want to apologize to the members of the public who have prepared their comments and were going to come forward with deputations. Obviously this was last-minute information, and you can tell that it took me and members of council by surprise,” said Ferguson.