A proposal to amend Bylaw No. 1190/2023, a land use bylaw in Delburne, faced public scrutiny and opposition. Following the public hearing, Delburne council unanimously voted against the passage of Bylaw No. 1194/2023 on Aug. 15.
The proposed amendment, which sought to re-designate a residential area from low density to general residential, drew concerned residents to the council’s public hearing, voicing apprehensions about potential changes to their neighbourhood’s character.
The public hearing occurred following a regular council meeting. It provided a platform for residents to voice their concerns about the proposed rezoning.
The targeted area was Plan 8222072, Block 24, Lot 8, where the intention was to convert the land from low-density residential zoning to general residential, thereby permitting multi-family housing development.
One resident, Wendy Williamson, expressed her worries about the implications of the rezoning, stating, “I’ve also submitted my letter because my concern is that it becomes a rental property, a multi-unit rental property.”
Melanie Timms, executive director for the Village of Delburne and a concerned resident, cited concerns about maintaining the neighbourhood’s character and suggested other locations in Delburne that would be suitable for a multi-family building or an apartment building.
In response to residents’ concerns during the public hearing, Mayor Tim Wilson emphasized the council’s commitment to considering community input in their decision-making process.
“So this process of talking to you guys is to hear these concerns and their legitimate concerns,” said Wilson. “A big part of our decisions will be made based on what we hear from you.”
Issues raised by residents included potential problems with parking, increased traffic, noise disturbances and the impact on the community’s character. Many residents emphasized the importance of retaining their neighbourhood’s quiet and single-dwelling nature.
“I used to go down that street when my uncle owned the house before I did, and I just thought it was a perfect spot in Delburne to live,” shared Linda Zak, a longtime resident. “When I was moving to Delburne, I didn’t even look anywhere else. I found the owners of the house and said are you willing to sell and I bought it based on the quiet area.”
Wilson further addressed the council’s complex balance between encouraging growth and providing housing options while preserving the community’s essence.
“From our position at this table, we are trying to serve our community. And in doing that, we do need some rentals,” Wilson explained. “Having said that, we have to try to balance our community, as there has to be a place for people who have a lot of money and people who don’t have a lot of money.”
The council’s unanimous decision to reject Bylaw No. 1194/2023 reflects the careful consideration of resident concerns and the community’s desire to preserve the character of their neighbourhood. As Delburne continues to navigate growth and development, conversations about responsible and sustainable land use remain at the forefront of local discussions.
Jessica Campbell
ECA Review
