High turnout for Property Standards Public Meeting
by Michelle Minnoch

Temperatures were rising so high at the public meeting regarding the Property Standards By-Law Wednesday night that the fire alarm went off twice at the beginning of the meeting.

About 200 residents were in attendance at the meeting held in the Stroud Arena, and 60 were left outside - due to fire regulations, no more people were allowed in.

"I believe we're at capacity, maybe slightly over," remarked Mayor Brian Jackson at the start of the meeting. Two South Simcoe Police officers remained inside for the duration for the meeting.

At issue were the proposals for the new by-law, which applies to Heavy Vehicles and trailers, which would restrict vehicles weighing over 4,000 kgs., (trucks, school buses, motor homes, boats) from residential driveways, and a limit of two per lot. The proposed by-law would also require a 50 metre setback from the vehicle to all property lines (excluding farm vehicles), 20 metre minimum setback from farm vehicles to all property lines. It excludes lots zoned for business uses, where heavy trucks are a normal part of day to day operations.

"This meeting is to gather public information and comments," stated Rob McAuley, Director of Planning and Development. "Council can continue to choose to take no action, adopt a revised by-law or make further changes."

Before residents took to the mike, Mayor Jackson reminded the crowd to be respectful of those speaking, and upon applause and cheers after a few speakers, Mayor Jackson reminded the crowd that was not permitted and if it was kept up, the meeting would end.

Former Innisfil Reeve Grant Andrade asked about the number of complaints the town received in 2006, and how many have lead to court cases.

McAuley said the stats were not "at his fingertips" and will provide the information at council's disposal.

Former Councilor Joe Beleskey said regarding the 50 metre setback from the property line, a resident would need over 100 metre wide lot. "That means your driveway would have to be in the middle of your property."

"I have been on property since 1950 and now you're telling me I can't park there?"

Shayne Smallman said he has a large motor home, boat, trailer and other toys. He said he works 50 to 70 hours a week and when he gets home, he likes to take his kids out fishing in his boat. "This bylaw is restricting my life. This by-law had broken the last straw."

Carol Griffith, a school bus driver for 20 years and mother for 30 said people do not realize the risks the drivers take with their children everyday. She asked how they (council), expect the children to get to school.

Resident Robert Fenmore said he owns a pick up truck that would not meet the bylaws requirements. "I suggest council out this on your next election platform."

Ten year Innisfil resident Kim Boss said none of her neighbours have complained about busses parked in driveways in her area.

She said to drive to a yard, pick up their bus, and pick up the children, would make their job that much more challenging.

Michelle Wilson concurred with the statement, stating most school bus drivers have pick ups within five or 10 minutes of their residences.

She said to use their personal vehicles to go to a yard, and pick up a bus to come back to the same area would add more vehicles on the road where the children are. "I do not think this has been a well thought out plan."

Deborah Clarke said she loves living in a rural area. "I do understand the concern with the appearances of the vehicles. I understand if they are unused, uninsured, rust buckets. But I have to draw the line here."

Lynden Brewer said he has lived in Innisfil for 20 years and "they are not going to take my livelihood away."

School bus driver Cathy Corkdale came to the meeting with a petition of 122 signatures. She said she did not have a big lot herself, but she needs a place to park her bus.

Gordon Partridge owns two trucks, one a work van, and has previously tried parking his work vehicle in other areas.

"It proved costly, as it was broken into."

While few proponents spoke in favour of the proposed by-law, one resident said he purchased his property about five years ago and now he does not have a view of the lake because of a small motor home in his neighbours driveway. "I've spent time and money on my property, now I can't see the lake."

He said he also had issues with snow mobiles and ATVs, that block the view when backing out of his driveway.

His comments were interrupted by catcalls and numerous coughing from the back of the room.

Another resident said he liked some of the proposed by-law, and had problems with a few things in it. He said when his neighbour starts up their school bus, his house shakes, and he contends with diesel fumes in the summer when his windows are open. "It's about compromise," he said. "Parking a commercial vehicle in a sub division may not be appropriate. Don't throw the by-law out."

A former Bradford resident suggested the town provide a local school bus parking lot.The comments will be reviewed by council and a draft of the by-law will return to council for direction.