Council in Prince Edward County has unanimously denied a rezoning request for Picton Terminals.
The motion to deny the request was brought forward by councillor Janice Maynard on Wednesday night during a public planning meeting at the Regent Theatre.
Maynard felt the rezoning was incompatible with the vision for Prince Edward County.
As well, she noted a lack of response to the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and their concerns about the rezoning application.
Mayor Steve Ferguson said he has been dreading this day but the decision about the rezoning request for 24 White Chapel Road became easier and easier to make.
“I do not think what is being proposed here is appropriate for this community. It’s too big, it will fundamentally change, or has the potential to fundamentally change Prince Edward County for years and years to come.”
A number of residents spoke in opposition to the rezoning request during the meeting, citing various concerns about noise, pollution, water concerns, tourism concerns and general opposition to the application as it does not fit within the Official Plan or vision for Prince Edward County.
Council and staff are aware an appeal can be made to the Land Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) and Mayor Steve Ferguson says Picton Terminals owner and operator Ben Doornekamp has stated publicly previously if the rezoning is denied, he will appeal the decision.
The rezoning application sought to allow for tour boat docking, outdoor storage, recognize the legal non-conforming transshipment use and to expand the list of permitted uses for the site.
