Council discusses mobile home bylaws
JEN JUHASZ
Staff Reporter
PALMER RAPIDS – Brudenell-Lyndoch-Raglan council met to discuss current issues at the April 4 meeting in Palmer Rapids.
UPDATE ON DOWNLOADING
The results of the Renfrew county council meeting with regard to downloading six bridges and two culverts back to the municipality were discussed. The proposal was defeated, and as a result, the county will retain ownership of its bridge and culvert structures and continue to be responsible for them.
Councillor Heather Phanenhour asked what the final votes were. Clerk Michelle Mantifel said it was 120 votes against and 50 in favour but she went on to say that based on the wording it sounded like it could be coming back.
Other council members voiced their concern that talks of downloading would return. Still, they were pleased with the results as voiced by Councillor Steve Jessup.
“Well anyways for now that’s a good one,” Jessup said.
2012 PROVINCIAL BUDGET
Mantifel updated council with regard to the recent announcement of the provincial budget. The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) will be affected in cuts over the next four years, starting in 2013.
“They’re going to decrease by $25 million how much municipalities get, which will probably transfer into less money each year,” Mantifel said.
MOBILE HOME BYLAW DIFFERS IN BRUDENELL TOWNSHIP
When local resident Kenny O’Brien considered purchasing a couple of mobile homes to put on a lot in Quadeville, it was recommended he approach council to make sure he would be in compliance of the rules in the township. At the Wednesday meeting he found out that that the zoning bylaws are different in Brudenell-Lyndoch than in Raglan.
According to Mantifel a mobile home isn’t allowed in Brudenell-Lyndoch, based on decisions made prior to amalgamation of the townships in the early 1980’s.
“Zoning bylaws were never amalgamated into one when Brudenell-Lyndoch-Township amalgamated with Raglan Township,” Mantifel said.
As a result, if O’Brien decides to put the mobile homes on his property he should go through a zoning amendment process which would take three months and cost from $400 to $600 according to Mantifel.
O’Brien asked if the mobile home could be classified as a seasonal home instead.
Mantifel said there is a difference between a travel trailer on wheels and a mobile home.
“In order for a mobile home to be in Brudenell-Lyndoch you’re going to need a rezoning. The bylaw doesn’t stipulate between seasonal and permanent for mobile homes,” Mantifel said.
Another option discussed was to have the whole township changed over, which would take a year’s work.
“I think we’re going to have to look at that bylaw,” Councillor Garry Gruntz said.
Reeve Norman Lentz agreed.
“I’m sure you’re not the only one in the township that has a trailer that’s winterized that they live in all year,” Lentz said.
In the meantime, councillors agreed to let O’Brien go ahead with the process if he still wanted to purchase the mobile homes.
“We have to change that bylaw. We’re willing to work with you to put your trailer there,” Councillor Trevor Lidtkie said.
It was recommended that he put an application in for the zoning amendment process as soon as possible. In addition he must follow stipulations in accordance with the Canadian Standards Association and adhere to building permit requirements such as proper anchor or storm ties in place.
Story continues in the pril 12, 2012 issue of The Valley Gazette.