Haldimand County Council News – January 30, 2020

By Sheila Phibbs

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—The following were discussed at the January 14, 2020 Council in Committee meeting and any decisions were ratified at the Council meeting on January 22.

Haldimand County Official Plan Update Work Program

Mike Evers, General Manager, Corporate and Social Services, announced that January 14 was the kick-off of the Official Plan. The report was presented by project consultant Matt Reniers, who highlighted the two phases of the plan: Phase 1 – Growth Plan Conformity, which includes urban areas, residential and employment land needs, and long-term water servicing strategy; Phase 2 – General Plan Update, which includes general amendments such as affordable housing, agriculture, natural environment, lakeshore, etc.

Council heard from resident Ron Lodewyks, who spoke on the enhancement of agricultural policies to enrich farming and the changing face of farming, suggested an increase to the allowable space for home-based businesses, and raised the need for high-speed internet in rural areas.