Plans for a new residential development near Sarnia's Lake Huron shoreline received unanimous city council support, despite some last minute opposition expressed on Monday.
Official plan and rezoning bylaw amendments for just over four acres of a mostly woodland area on the east end of Pamela Court were approved following a public meeting.
Developer Alan Merrington clarified the project would see six single family homes built -- as opposed to apartments or townhouses commonly assumed with a condominium application -- and the remaining woodlot would be protected.
"If anything needs to be done in this boundary, you have to get each homeowner to agree," said Merrington. "Six homeowners. This way it's very clear cut and legal to the six homeowners that the land, or the boundary, is protected and will be protected."
Councillor Anne Marie Gillis felt concerns raised -- about the woodlot, native wildflowers and the impact on migratory birds -- were addressed by the ecologist consulted on the project.
"Indeed it will seem like the woodlot that has been there -- just to kind of exist on its own -- is going to be better looked after now than what it has before," said Gillis. "In the long run, [with] the protections that are going to be put in, you're going to see a better managed woodlot than you have right now."
Although public feedback presented in a package to council appeared to be mostly supportive, some neighbours claimed on Monday they weren't notified of the plans, or almost missed a hand delivered notice [other neighbours told them about it] because they weren't checking their mailbox during the Canada Post strike.
"You can give out as many notifications as you have, but someone is always going to say that they were missed," Gillis said. "That's unfortunate.... but I'm confident that we are moving in the right direction."
Councillor Adam Kilner described the discussion as "enriching."
"I think it's really good to have these conversations, so we can all further understand," said Kilner.
According to an Environmental Impact Study, the woodlot will retain its ecological functions and groundwater features, and the Virginia bluebells plant will be protected.
Numerous letters from neighbours, and a petition with over 30 names, were presented in support of the project.
City/County Councillor Brian White was absent during the vote.