Niverville’s council met virtually on the evening of Tuesday, March 16 to discuss a variety of items on the town’s agenda.
Subdividing Agricultural Land
Council held a public hearing, including lengthy discussion, with implications for agriculture-zoned property around the edges of the town.
The request came from Lyall Hudson, who wants to build a single residential dwelling on agricultural land. Hudson wishes for the existing home to remain on the property and be inhabited during the construction period, after which it would be subject to removal by demolition. The five-acre property in question, which includes a house and a barn, is located on Krahn Road north of the Niverville High School.
Council reminded those present that properties of this type are not permitted to have two dwellings on title, and Niverville’s municipal bylaws only support a secondary dwelling, sometimes called a granny suite, when it is attached to the primary dwelling as an addition.
In order to accommodate his request, council encouraged Hudson to consider subdividing his property.
Though he was agreeable, members of council proceeded to ask about the implications this request would have for similar properties on the outskirts of town. As subdivisions continue to develop and residential expansion pushes outward, councillors acknowledged they could soon be faced with additional requests.
Property such as this one, zoned as agriculture limited, is eligible for private subdivision as long as the existing property retains a minimum of two acres and the subdivided lot is a minimum of two acres.
Councillors Chris Wiebe and Nathan Dueck both had concerns about what will happen when the town’s development finally reaches these properties, including questions about water and sewer hookups.
CAO Eric King suggested that it would be a considerable amount of time before the town would expand so far. He says the question could be raised again at a future time.
No opposition was made to Hudson’s request. He also supplied preliminary survey information which indicates that the subdividing line of two acres would be workable on the property.
The conditional use permit for Hudson to build a secondary dwelling was approved.
New Mechanics and Storage Permit Delayed
A point of order was made to handle the public hearing for a second conditional use application made by Jordan Barkman, who was not in attendance. Barkman has applied to run a storage and vehicle mechanics shop at 815 Wittick Street in the Niverville Industrial Park. The business would supply storage units for customers to rent and service their own vehicles, offer seasonal or long-term storage for vehicles, and include a caretaker’s residence. The applicant submitted a site plan.
A neighbouring property owner was present at the online meeting to register concerns about the nature of the new business, saying that while the business concept is not unique, he would ask the town to provide conditions for the business to handle hazardous waste materials in an appropriate manner.
King recommended hearing the delegate’s viewpoint and entering it into record. Council then discussed whether Barkman’s business qualified as storage units or as a garage, which are subject to different regulations.
Mayor Dyck pointed out that the town has had previous issues with garages in terms of handling contaminants. Council also had concerns about exterior storage, clutter, and safety hazards on the property.
Councillor Wiebe said there are provincial laws that address the disposal of hazardous materials and if the business is classified as a garage, drainage would have to feed into a holding tank, not town grey water or sewage management.
Because the applicant was not in attendance, council tabled the discussion for another time. No decision was made.
Preschool Contract
Council approved a one-year contract with Niverville Cooperative Preschool, allowing them to rent the south end of the arena from September 2021 until June 2022 at a rate of $501/month. The preschool would use the facility four days per week.
Councillor Wiebe voted in favour and said that it has been nice to see the arena already be used by the children.
CRRC Rental Rates
Council discussed and approved access and rental rates for the CRRC, as well as rental rates for the outdoor field.
Determining factors for the rates include whether the space will be used for local or non-local residents, as well as by youth or adults. For example, ice will be available during its prime times starting at $120 for youth use and $154 for adult use (for local residents). Various multipurpose rooms will be available for $45–$80 p er hour, or $180–$320 for nine hours plus.
Ice time for curling ranges from $23.33 per sheet per hour, whereas renting the full basement and ice for the whole day will be $200. The community kitchen space will be available for $15/hour, or $50/day. Baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, beach volleyball courts, track, and playground areas are all also available to rent.
The full list of spaces and rates will be available on the town website soon.
Councillor Funk commented that the rates seem low but that if approved they will be subject to review after one year.
“We’ve done a lot of research of the areas around us and of what our competitors and like-minded facilities are offering,” said King. “The town is comfortable with the rates to meet our financial goals.”
Councillor Dueck spoke to the benefits of having a community kitchen, but he asked what the operational costs would be for additional cleaning.
“Typically, walking into a kitchen means walking into somebody else’s mess,” said Dueck. “If we’re charging $15/hour, and it gets left as a disaster for the next person, how do we assure that does not happen?”
King said that the rental agreement will include a provision that renters must return the space to the original condition upon exit. Council discussed if a reasonable damage deposit could be stipulated, which would include a cleaning fee.
Mayor Dyck also asked if the town would need to have any staff members on hand to provide cleaning services. A discussion ensued about how the town could ensure they have sufficient time for cleaning between groups using the space.
2021 Financial Plan
Lastly, council announced a virtual public hearing for the town’s 2021 financial plan, to be held in the evening on Tuesday, April 20. A copy of the bylaw covering the 2021 plan is available on the town website (see below for link).
