For the first time in nearly a decade, the Loyalist Township will be seeking up to four community members for its Committee of Adjustment.
The Committee of Adjustment is authorized by the Ontario Planning Act to grant minor variances from the Zoning Bylaw, to permit extensions, enlargements or variations, and give consent to an owner of land who wishes to sell, convey or transfer a part of their land. They determine whether it's desirable for the appropriate use of the land, and whether the general intent of the by-law and the official plan are maintained.
On June 5, the Committee of the Whole passed a motion at their meeting that would see staff adopt a hybrid model for putting together the Committee of Adjustment. This model would see a combination of four community members, and three members of council. Council members would have to be appointed annually, whereas public members would be appointed for the term of council.
Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend noted that a hybrid option would address issues expressed regarding quorum, and with the difficulty in getting members of the public on board. He said the option of full council membership would upset the overall process.
"I'm against full council membership, simply because I think it politicizes the process of the Committee of Adjustment," said Townend.
From 1998 until November 2014, the committee was made up of members of the public living in Loyalist Township, with the committee size varying from 5-7 members. Some members had over 25 years experience, including time on Ernestown, Bath or Amherst Island committees. Throughout the years, there were challenges in attracting qualified members and obtaining quorum.
In December 2014, the committee responsibility was shifted solely to council. The reasoning at the time was so that applications could be considered on a more timely basis.
Adopting the new hybrid model dates back to the Nov. 29, 2019 meeting, when Loyalist Township council carried a motion that staff bring a report to the Committee of the Whole to review the appointment process of the Committee of Adjustment.
A report was then brought forward to the September 8, 2020 Committee of the Whole meeting that highlighted four options for Council's consideration, including the hybrid approach, as well as precise criteria for the selection of potential public members. The four models presented were Full Public Membership; a Hybrid Model; All Council Membership; or a Subset of Council Model.
The report from Loyalist Township's Economic Growth and Community Development Services Department outlines the criteria for the selection process: "Applicants must be residents or property owners in the Township and at least 18 years of age (unless otherwise specified in the Terms of Reference). Appointees must maintain their eligibility and qualifications throughout their term. Township staff are not permitted to serve as members on an Advisory Committee."
The report adds that if applicants have a potential conflict of interest, they may not be considered.
Council may also use other criteria for assessing appropriate skill sets, such as:
- Knowledge of the community
- A strong interest in the challenges of community building
- Past experience on other township, municipal or community boards or committees
- Experience in such professions as land use planning, environmental planning, architecture, engineering, economic development, law, or advocacy work.
The report notes that the Procedural By-law is also currently under review and changes may still be made to the eligibility requirements.
The current council appointment to the Committee of Adjustment will expire in December. Before then, staff will need to start posting notices to solicit applicants, conduct the selection process itself, and provide necessary training for new members.
Hear the CJAI story below