Perth County is planning to put the issue of severing surplus farm dwellings to rest for good.
Debate surrounding the issue has dominated multiple council meetings and numerous public meetings with no clear resolution.
At yesterday's county council meeting, the discussion focused on finding a permanent solution to the problem which has been a divisive subject even among councilors.
North Perth Mayor Julie Behrns used the meeting to express her frustration.
“We didn't have a clear and concise motion, and we haven't for some time. It seems like every issue we've dealt with in the last six months has been controversial in some way because if people didn't like the answer that they got they simply keep bringing it back," she says.
Councillor Behrns was critical of the public forum that took place in June because council had already resolved not to allow severances to take place.
“So a lot of people and even people that I spoke to said, well if you're not doing any changes there's no need for us to show up. Well then you get back to a meeting here and its decided that three-quarters of the people spoke in favour of it so everybody must want it,” says Behrns.
A special meeting of Perth County council will be scheduled next month to discuss options to bring the debate to a final conclusion.
