Grimsby Beach Conservation Management Plan – presentation by Willowbank School students

This initial presentation by the students proposes a “Cultural Heritage Landscape” for the Grimsby Beach district. The Planning Director (Michael Seaman) has had a continuing relationship with the school since 2010.

The study recommended that proactive measures must be taken to protect the key cultural elements of the neighbourhood from demolition and development, citing a recent listing at 33 Victoria Terrace priced at almost $600K. A small survey of local residents raised common issues of lack of parking, disrespectful tourists and littered garbage.

The Planning Director noted that discussions with local residents has been ongoing and a community meeting was held in the Beach a year ago where options were presented. The intent is to continue to keep in touch with the community and determine next steps. Some funds have potentially been identified in reserves for a Grimsby Beach study. Member Finch suggested forming a Grimsby Beach Advisory Committee to provide input and engage residents. Planning staff suggested a community organization would be helpful. Willowbank students will be bringing forward a more detailed written report in the near future.  You can read more on this at:  https://grimsby.civicweb.net/filepro/documents…

An interesting article on Willowbank in recent news. Considering their vision is heritage conservation and the interconnectedness of our built, natural and cultural resources, this seems to flow against that grain: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/…/willowbanks-queenston-…

Oversized Vehicles – NIMBY “not in my backyard”

A simmering issue from 2014 has resurfaced when Zoning By-law 14-45 regulations were set in stone for where you can and can’t park your RV (oversized vehicle). Apparently in 2014 the public open house drew crowds with strong opinions from both sides, for and against. The by-law states that you can park an RV in your backyard for six months of the year… right against the back fence (with no screening or additional fence height) if you want.

At the April 11 meeting the recommendation of the Planning Director, following a legal opinion, is that as there has been only one complaint, from one resident, that there is no need to revisit the by-law. No change.

Aldermen defeated the motion put forward by Planning staff and put forward a new motion, to initiate a zoning amendment application and revisit the bylaw. Watch for the exact wording of this motion to be in the upcoming minutes. And, if you’re the owner of an oversized vehicle (or RV), you might want to follow this closely.

https://grimsby.civicweb.net/…/B8FCC515197D4CA19E91A856E88A…