A public hearing was held on an application submitted by Sylvie Laperriere and John Kennedy requesting to close and purchase the road shore allowance in front of their property at 130 Pargeter Drive. The applicants were in attendance at the public meeting as well as the abutting property owners at 73 South Shore Road, Norm and Cathy Guppy.
Mr. Kirton described the process for selling road shore allowances and advised that the two guiding documents are the Municipality's Official Plan and Disposition of Shoreline Road Allowances By-law.
A portion of the dock at 73 South Shore Road is located in front of 130 Pargeter Drive. Closing the road shore allowance in front of 130 Pargeter Drive would impact the neighbour's access to the water via the dock.
The Guppy's made a presentation to the Committee sharing their concerns with losing access to the water and decreased property value. There are constraints which make it difficult to access the water in a different location. The Guppy's are in favour of finding a solution that will work for both parties.
The Committee discussed possible solutions such as dredging the lake and moving the dock. Mr. Kirton advised there are setback requirements for the location of docks and boathouses. The Shoreline Road Allowance By-law does give Council the flexibility to determine an agreeable property line for the shore road allowance.
The Committee deferred the application to a future meeting to allow for consultations to take place between the property owners and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority to determine a suitable solution for both property owners. Mr. Kirton will contact all parties via email, but advised the Conservation Authority may request to wait until the snow and ice are gone.