Prince Edward County is preparing to review the process that goes into land severances after concerns were voiced by residents that the process was long and overly complex.
During Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting, the committee received a deputation from Kurt Vanclief, who shared his experience in attempting to sever some rural land in the county. Vanclief is attempting to sever two existing farm houses from their surrounding farm land, with the intent to keep farming the severed farm lands.
In his deputation, he said that the requirements for hydro-geological studies on rural lot severances were causing him problems and tying up his attempted severance. Under the current process, he was required to hire a firm to complete the study at his own expense, which cost $10,000. After that, he had to have a second firm peer-review the original study.
Vanclief argued that since the land wasn’t being further developed, the houses would remain houses, and the farmland farmland, there shouldn’t be a need for the studies as the current well water and septic system works and is not being changed.
After the deputation, council considered a motion that would direct municipal staff to evaluate the current planning procedures surrounding lot severances, and return to council with any barriers that can be eliminated, along with the costs and benefits of doing so.
The motion passed, and was sent on to council for final approval.
