Armour Township Official Plan

 

Open House - Saturday, September 3, 2005

An open house was held on Saturday, September 3, 2005 at the Katrine Community Centre from 10:00 to noon. Present representing the Township were Reeve Thomas, Councillors Bob MacPhail and Jerry Brandt arrived at 10:35 a.m. Councillors Blakelock and Corcoran were absent. Municipal planner Robert Miller and Clerk Wendy Whitwell attended.

Reeve Thomas introduced Bob Miller, Municipal planner. One exhibit was displayed which indicated generalized existing land uses. An information brochure explaining the purpose, effect and goals of an official plan and a questionnaire requesting input from the community were available.

Bob gave a history of planning in Armour Township and indicated the legislative requirement to review the official plan every fives years to maintain a current document. Planning act changes, new Municipal Act, new Provincial Policy statement and the effect of the Highway 11 four laning have resulted in the need to update our plan.

Bob also discussed the geographic information mapping system which will now be used and incorporated into official plan and zoning maps. This mapping system will incorporate information available to the municipality from Ministry of Natural Resources and Municipal Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

The following comments/questions were discussed:

  • the Provincial government prefers development in and around urban areas rather than rural development


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  • rural development makes sense in Armour in good locations - not low lands, flood plain, steep slowed areas, or environmentally sensitive areas


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  • Armour's population has been declining slightly


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  • we should assume our lakes are at development capacity already, unless studies can determine otherwise
  • Phosphorous measure has been used in the passed to evaluate lake capacity considerations. Is this practical, or the only thing we should consider ?

Lets look at all factors, we should not just look at chemical numbers to control development

 
  • future lake development should consider compatibility, fish habitat, density, flood plains, slopes
 
  • there is no inventory of the rural aquifer (water)


  • the detailed study recently completed by the Village of Burk's Falls was discussed, and the need to protect this water supply


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  • water supply should be a significant factor when considering rural development


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  • will our population double in the next ten years ? What is the Councils plan to deal with infrastructure to manage this, ( landfill space ) ? A resolution to the landfill issue will be found.


  • a younger generation will want to come north to live and work


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  • has the Township considered providing docking for better access to Doe Lake Peninsula properties ?


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  • Concern raised regarding sewage being dumped into Doe Lake and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority not reacting to this complaint. Discussed wether the "sudsy" looking condition is a natural occurrence or a pollution problem.


  • Doe Lake cannot handle any more development, at capacity


  • Not sufficient rainfall this year to keep Doe Lake at an acceptable level


  • Highway 11 construction using water from the Magnetawan River system - Township does not have control over this
 
  • Concerns with council and staff being aware of development in flood plain and not stopping or controlling it.


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  • Council should begin a septic re-inspection program and make everyone who has not upgrade


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  • Many lake communities/ associations are doing "lake plans" to address their issues and concerns and ask Council to incorporate in planning documents


  • The community appreciate the return of access to water in Burk's Falls this season

The meeting concluded at noon.

Wendy Whitwell, Clerk Treasurer