It has been a few months since the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) and its Executive Director Robert Barnett launched an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal to our zoning approval to rezone our property on Sadler Creek Rd., Northern Bruce Peninsula (NBP) from planned development to resort residential/environmental hazard (resort residential is the zoning for cottages, environmental hazard is to protect certain areas). Our zoning was unanimously approved by council and all agencies. Our building plans have now been delayed 5 months so far.
We are the second owner to be delayed. The other is the Browne/Martin family who own a property on the same road. Their delay is approaching 2 yrs. approx. for the OLT appeal.
Here’s what we’ve learned so far: If you oppose your neighbour’s build to council your letters etc. are made public. If you launch an OLT appeal everything is public; your expert’s reports, comments, actions… I say this because we have read all the reports in the Browne case, and we watched the OLT hearing which lasted approx. 7 days. People should be very cautious jumping into such actions without knowing the facts, seeing the properties, just to do favours for friends – because now your name, comments etc. are out there and can’t be retracted.
One thing I learned is when zoning is approved, it is not only council who approved it but it was reviewed by many agencies, such as Bruce County, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Sauble Conservation, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Municipal Affairs and Housing, just to name a few. So if you criticize the agencies you better know who they are EBC.
I also question how the EBC could use their Stewardship Fund to bankroll their appeal? With board approval.
I was guesstimating how much the taxpayer was paying for the Municipality’s lawyer who had to sit there day after day for hours, not including prep time. Thousands I presume, but final figures aren’t in yet. Taxpayer monies. Time also for the planner who had to prepare and speak, nevermind how much the landowners are paying and the cost in their almost 2 yr. delay.
I will say the Browne’s lawyer was brilliant – and thankfully we hired the same one. Also their witnesses; professional, prepared and outstanding credentials in their field of expertise and decades of experience.
I also would also hope the EBC would respect our 7 No Trespassing signs and 2 locked gates… because since this started they haven’t. One of EBC’s witnesses in the Browne case, trespassed and cored 2 of our trees which I confirmed and took photos of. I don’t need an album of date stamped trail camera photos of EBC staff, intern and management.
These are my opinions and the facts speak for themselves. The hearings were recorded, which was a smart move by some. Trail cameras too are a blessing and the OPP have also had to use resources when we’ve reported incidents.
Again an agency paid by taxpayers.
Carol Porter,
Owner of 2 properties, Northern Bruce Peninsula
