The town council of Three Rivers has been at a stalemate with the provincial government for nearly a year over amendments to the town’s development bylaw. The council claims that the Minister of Housing, Land, and Communities has not approved the changes due to significant community concerns.
According to Anne Van Donkersgoed, chair of the town’s planning board, the council has not received a definitive answer on the amendments, which has hindered certain activities in Three Rivers. The proposed changes mainly focus on increasing housing density and streamlining permit processing.
The delay in approval is reportedly linked to properties owned by Buddhist monks and nuns in the area, which have raised land use issues and speculations. Under the revised bylaw, these properties would be zoned as institutional, while the rest of Three Rivers would fall under community zoning.
Cory Deagle, the Minister of Housing, Land, and Communities, has raised concerns about the zoning disparities between Buddhist groups and other religious institutions like the Catholic Church. He suggests revisiting the zoning classifications to address the community’s concerns and avoid further division.
Van Donkersgoed highlighted that the properties in question were initially zoned as institutional when the town amalgamated in 2018. Changing them to community zoning could allow for a broader range of developments, which might not align with the residents’ preferences.
The proposed amendments aim to increase council oversight on property expansions within these zones to enhance transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes.
Deagle emphasized the importance of finding a balanced approach to zoning regulations to ensure fairness and equality among all religious groups and property owners. He stressed the need to address community concerns before finalizing the amendments.
Despite submitting the amendments almost a year ago, the town has not received approval from the provincial government. Both current and former ministers have hesitated to sign off on the changes, leading to frustration and a sense of disrespect from the council.
Deagle has expressed his commitment to resolving the zoning discrepancies and community concerns before approving the amendments to the official plan, emphasizing the need for thorough consideration and community engagement.