Farmers and residents from Perth County had the opportunity to speak out on the issue of surplus farm dwelling severances last night in Sebringville.
Members of Perth County Council committed to a public meeting about the issue when the possibility of changing the County's Official Plan was brought forward earlier in the year.
John Vandyke is a farmer in East Perth who believes the county plan should be amended. “It is my understanding that the province allows for surplus dwellings to be severed. Many counties in Ontario also allow for severances of surplus farm dwellings, why not Perth?”
Many of the speakers described family connections that could be jeopardized without an official plan amendment including several properties that have remained in the same family for over a hundred years.
Those in attendance were mostly in favour of amending the official plan to allow the severance of surplus farm dwellings. Those who opposed the amendment cited concerns about severed dwellings interfering with the normal operation of their farms.
Perth County Council members will have to decide whether to table an amendment or to reaffirm their commitment to preventing severances in the name of protecting the agricultural community.
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John Vandyke is a farmer in East Perth who believes the county plan should be amended...
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1PerthFarmDwellings.mp3"][/audio]
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Bob Weir grew up in a rural community and he believes that everyone should have that same opportunity...
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2PerthFarmDwellings.mp3"][/audio]
