A controversial residential development in woodland along Sarnia's Lake Huron waterfront will be the subject of a public hearing at city council's virtual meeting Monday.
Paul Wicks wants to build a six-lot subdivision at 834 Lakeshore Rd., with a cul-de-sac extension of Tudor Close West.
Peter Lynch, who lives next door, is surprised the proposal is being considered again.
"Last time it came to council in November 2018, it was turned down because it didn't meet the provincial, county, and city planning about no development in a protected, significant woodland," said Lynch. "So what's being brought forward this time, is essentially the same proposal (for a) six house subdivision."
Lynch claims more trees would be cut down this time.
"205 trees, versus 122 before, and the area being developed for the six houses cuts about half a hectare out of the woodland, which is about 20 tennis courts worth of area."
He said while the proponents argue it can be done with no impact, he and others disagree.
"Even with the proposed mitigation of planting trees, two for one somewhere else, we see this as a valuable habitat. They identified 46 species of birds living there in the environmental study that was done and so we feel that it's a valuable woodland and council should follow the policy of the city, the county and the province to protect what's left of these significant woodlands."
Mayor Mike Bradley admitted it's one of the more contentious rezoning's council will deal with.
"This time around what the big difference is two years ago the planning staff weren't recommending the project, this time around they are with some strict conditions as it relates to woodlots."
Staff are recommending Sarnia's official plan be amended by adding a site-specific notwithstanding policy to allow land division for residential purposes within a natural heritage area.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority said if approved, the amendment must be contingent upon reforestation and conservation agreements, and zoning should recognize the natural heritage and natural hazards area.
