The fate of a proposed self-storage facility for Waba, Ontario, Canada, was decided last week when the developers reached a settlement with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Property owners Neil and David Stewart want to build a 20- to 24-unit facility near Waba Creek, but had to make concessions to appease local residents.
In May, the McNab/Braeside Council agreed to allow the Stewarts to rezone the residential property to commercial and reduce a minimum setback allowance from 30 to 12 meters. Kelly and Harry Strelow and several other community members opposed the self-storage project, citing concerns about increased traffic, 24-hour access, an absentee landlord and environmental impact on the creek.
The Stewarts said they agreed to a compromise because a three-day OMB hearing would have cost the family an estimated $50,000. Already they said it was costly to get a compromising settlement under the current legislative conditions.
The settlement includes a reduction in the rezoned area from 4.46 acres to 1.75 acres. In addition, the storage of explosives, flammables and products that produce noxious odors have been prohibited.
Though the Strelows agreed to the compromise, they still arent completely satisfied. They are mostly concerned about the self-storage facility being positioned on an environmentally sensitive property and the fact that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Environment was not consulted during the councils decision-making process.
Sources:
- Arnprior EMC Community News: Settlement reached in OMB case involving storage units
