Prince Edward County has denied a zoning application for a new event venue in Cherry Valley.
During Wednesday’s Planning and Development Committee meeting, members of council discussed an application regarding a property located at the corner of County Road 18 and Sandy Lane.
Had it been approved, the zoning application would have allowed the development of of a tourist establishment consisting of 9 glamping tents, a cottage, an office building, an event venue for 100 guests, a summer camp, and a 5 room motel.
Currently, the property hosts an existing cottage, six tents, motel, and some accessory buildings.
Many surrounding residents spoke at the meeting against the development with noise complaints as the most common concern cited by residents. Surrounding residents often claimed that events that had already been held at the site in it’s current state had featured disruptive noise levels for the surrounding community, with noise expected to become louder and more frequent if the venue expands. Residents also said that excess traffic was a concern, with the local roads not equipped to handle the volume of guests.
The zoning application provoked vigorous debate in the council chambers.
Councillor Kate MacNaughton was opposed to the new venue. She said that other event venues have created noise problems for neighbouring properties.
“Many of us sitting around the table have been assured that there will be no problems with sound,” said Councillor MacNaughton. “There have been problems with sound. Our sound, by law, says if, it is impacting the neighbouring properties, then you are in violation.”
Councillor David Harrison was in favour of the development, saying that the solution to any noise would be to tighten the noise bylaws rather than block development.
“These people are looking at going to great expense to maintain or improve the situation with their noise,” said Councillor Harrison. “There are ways of doing it today, and they seem willing to build a new building and and put that latest technology, so to speak, into it.”
Councillor Sam Branderhorst proposed amendment to strike the event venue from the application, but still permit the other aspects being considered. The amendment was withdrawn, after brief discussion, as it would change the application too drastically.
Ultimately, the zoning amendment was voted down, 8 to 5, in a recorded vote.
