The owner of a neighbouring farm has expressed concern over plans to move a Petrolia woodland to allow future residential development.
The Town of Petrolia is hosting a public information meeting on Monday to discuss the request from Elbee Investments Sarnia Limited to build the next phases of a subdivision off Country View Drive.
If approved, nearly 3.6 hectares (8.9 acres) of woodland would be removed to allow development.
The applicant said crews would reforest the same amount of removed woodland to a separate property further south to ensure long-term ecological protection.
The owner/operator of Racher Farms has submitted a letter to council in opposition.
Greg Racher said tree growth will "prove unsuccessful in the proposed area for relocation."
"The proposal to relocate 3.57 [hectares] of actively growing virgin woodlot to an area of equal size and located clearly in a flood plain area, assuredly will not result in equivalency for the loss of the woodlot area," Racher wrote in a letter to council. "The proposal to establish an equal amount of area -- inconsiderate of the century of growth in the existing woodlot -- is prelude to failure. The creek reaches substantial flood stage several times per season."
Racher also accuses the town of failing to enforce current bylaws.
"The town has been unsuccessful at enforcing its own bylaws, which are in place to ensure that residential development does not spill over and directly impact the financial viability of Racher Farm's cultivatable acres that abut these developments," Racher added, saying he would provide proof of the financial implications he's suffered if needed.
The official plan and zoning bylaw amendments will be considered at 6 p.m. on Monday. Anyone else wishing to submit a written submission or make an oral presentation to council, is asked to contact the Town of Petrolia no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27.
The public meeting will be held in person in Council Chambers at Town Hall at 411 Greenfield Street.
