In a decision Monday evening at city hall, members of council unanimously voted to direct staff to draft a bylaw allowing a city resident to continue offering swimming lessons at her residence on Philip Street.
Joy Dawdy has been holding lessons each summer for about three decades until she received an anonymous letter complaining about noise and parking, in what the individual described as an illegal business operating out of her home.
Staff were not recommending Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments in a report to council from Michelle Knieriem, Manager of Planning Services.
She concluded, “Staff understand and appreciate that the swimming lessons provided by the applicant are valued by many members of the community. While this value is noted, staff recommend refusal of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment applications due to issues of compatibility.”
She continued, “It is also noted that these amendments should be evaluated on the compatibility of the use without specific consideration for the individual, as the amendments would continue to apply to the property regardless of who was living at the dwelling.
“Staff noted the possibility of council considering a Temporary Use By-law to allow the use to operate for up to three years, subject to certain conditions.
“Staff do not support this option as, in the staff’s opinion, it would not conform to the Official Plan. As of the date of this report, the applicant has not indicated support for council considering a Temporary Use By-law.”
Prior to the vote, council had opposed any amendments to the Official Plan and zoning bylaw with concerns about establishing a precedent.
Staff will now present a draft bylaw to council that would allow Dawdy to continue with lessons for up to three years.
Written by Ian McCallum
