The temporary use bylaw permitting Joy Dawdy to continue with her swimming lessons at 21 Philip Street in the city was adopted at last Tuesday’s (May 19) council meeting with minimal discussion.
Of note, the bylaw includes a provision limiting the number of students per lesson to three, and that only one lesson can be conducted at a time.
According to staff, “This is needed in order to prevent the possibility of multiple individuals who reside in the dwelling conducting lessons simultaneously.”
The bylaw will be in effect until May 19, 2028.
Coun. Joan Rymal was the lone voice in opposition, having previously stressed, “I just want to say that there’s no question that the swimming lessons provided by Miss Dawdy have been appropriate or of a good quality. It’s not the issue at all about the swimming lessons.
“It relates to the location of the business providing the swimming lessons, which is in her backyard. And St. Thomas is growing and expected to double in size in 25 years, and residential areas are becoming more dense.”
She pointed out that “A temporary use bylaw applies to the property, not the owner. So, if the property is sold during the time that the temporary use bylaw is still in effect, this temporary use bylaw would transfer to the new owner, who could then operate the same business in that backyard.”
Mayor Joe Preston previously had not supported the motion over concerns about employing a temporary use bylaw to allow the lessons to continue in a residential neighbourhood.
Coun. Jim Herbert expressed similar concerns in the past.
The final vote on the bylaw was 8-1 in support.
Written by Ian McCallum
