It was one of those meetings where the Mayor reminded those in attendance that everyone is allowed to have an opinion, even if it differs from their own.
Council Chambers in Prince Edward County was packed on Tuesday night as council made a decision on a report regarding second dwelling units.
Manager of Planning Paul Walsh said according to the Official Plan, secondary units can provide affordable housing options for renters and can provide homeowners with the ability to rent out unused space as an alternative source of income.
Resident Dale Mugford spoke to council during the meeting and cited the potential loss of income he and his family could lose out on if changes were made regarding second dwelling units. More specifically, the loss on revenue to pay for the loan taken out to make sure their secondary dwelling unit is up to par.
Councillor Bill Roberts pointed out council had agreed they would make no changes to the short-term accommodations by-laws for one year to allow them to see how the by-laws were working and if any changes were necessary.
Councillor Jamie Forrester asked for an amendment to the motion to specifically note no new and not yet constructed secondary dwelling units couldn’t be built until loopholes were closed up.
His motion was defeated.
Councillors were also concerned with the removal of a maximum size limit on a secondary dwelling unit by the province last week. Prior to the change, the size maximum was 640 square feet.
Councillor Ernie Margetson said not having a maximum on what size a secondary dwelling unit could be, could have an impact on the landscape and having a maximum based on the lot size was much more appealing and fit better with the granny suite picture.
Walsh stated secondary dwelling building size has not been an issue they’ve yet faced.
Councillor Kate MacNaughton said for her it came down to affordability and supporting the full-time owner operators who live in the municipality as those are the people they should be supporting.
The motion was approved.
