Township Debates Zoning Bylaw Amendment at Public Meeting
ADELAIDE METCALFE - The Township convened on June 17 to discuss a significant zoning by-law amendment concerning Ruby Farms. Initially, the proposal sought to officially permit cardboard baling on agricultural land at 2897 Napperton Drive by transitioning to a specialized agricultural zone. The public meeting, overseen by Mayor Sue Clarke, offered a platform for detailed presentations and robust community feedback.
Township planner Erin Besch initiated the proceedings by outlining the amendment proposal. The aim was to shift the zoning from a 'General Agriculture (A) Zone' to a 'General Agriculture (A-17) Zone' that would include cardboard baling as a permitted activity. Besch’s presentation detailed the site’s current setup, which includes a warehouse that facilitates the recycling operation and other agricultural activities. She emphasized that the proposed zoning change would confine industrial activities to the existing warehouse, with strict restrictions on outdoor storage.
Unexpectedly, during the meeting, Dave Ruby, owner of Ruby Farms, modified his initial request. He expressed a desire to withdraw the permanent zoning change application in favor of a temporary arrangement. Ruby proposed continuing the cardboard baling operation for an additional four to five months to allow for an orderly transition away from the activity. He assured that all operations would be strictly contained within the warehouse to mitigate any potential fire hazard and environmental impact, a change prompted by a recent reconsideration of the farm's operational focus.
Following Ruby's revised proposal, the floor opened to public commentary, which revealed a community grappling with the farm's history of operations and its compliance with local regulations. Neighbours expressed their concerns about ongoing environmental and safety issues associated with the site. Issues cited included increased truck traffic, potential water contamination affecting local wells, and the visual impact of the industrial activity in what is predominantly an agricultural and rural residential area.
Residents voiced apprehensions about the temporary nature of the proposal and its potential to revert to problematic practices. They highlighted past issues with waste management, adherence to safety protocols, and the impact of the operation on local infrastructure and property values.
“They say they are an environmental company. But they are an environmental disaster... They have been trucking in and out garbage. Burying with a backhoe. We see truckloads of like pavement, concrete, plastic. They bury it along the back of the farm there. And we have been picking up garbage out of our field. It's just awful. They are terrible neighbours,” one of the neighbours mentioned.
As the meeting concluded, Mayor Clarke clarified that council would not make an immediate decision. Instead, she indicated that all feedback would be considered and a comprehensive evaluation report would be prepared. This report will address both the initial and revised proposals and include a summary of the public consultations. We will be attentive to the next steps that the municipal council takes regarding this matter in the following weeks.
David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner
