Yet another Ontario Municipal Board hearing has been held in Picton..
For two days this week, the O-M-B heard objections by the Winery Association of Prince Edward to the county’s new winery policy, and the county’s position as well.
The official plan amendment, approved in June, designates wineries as either a farm winery or an estate winery. A farm winery would have to have at least four-thousand vines, using at least 51 per cent of their own grapes in any wine making. An estate winery would need a minimum of 16-thousand vines, but could have restaurant, and tourism possibilities. Some wineries are concerned they might be restricted in making changes to their businesses in the future. Planning Services Commissioner Gerry Murphy says no date has been set for the OMB to hand down its decision.
