Concerns raised at Queens land-use hearing

“The key thing tonight is to get input from you,” said Region of Queens Planner Mike MacLeod. “It’s council’s job to listen and decide based on that.”

The goal of the document is to put together a region-wide planning strategy to protect the diversity, economy and environment of the county. “It’s a vision for future community development,” said MacLeod.

One of the most common complaints was the document was not clear on many points.

Kirsty Tousignant of East Berlin said it tries to cover too much and too broadly. “I don’t see any end to surprises when it comes to property owners,” she said.

Her worry is that new property owners would have more rights than people already living in Queens when the document comes into effect.

John Winters made the case for readability by everyone, since this is a document for everyone. He said over half of Queens Co. does not have a Grade 12 education. To read this document, he said one would need 14 years worth of education. “I don’t think this is a suitable document for Queens.”

Ralph Morton argued the land use by-laws are too much for rural residents, who moved out of urban areas to get away from so many restrictions. He said to make any changes to their lands, rural residents will have to go through too many permits and it will cost too much money in the end. “Hands off our rural lands.”

Most, however, seemed to support the principle of the by-laws.

Only three communities in Queens Co. have a planning strategy, Liverpool, Brooklyn and Milton.

There are very few regulations in rural Queens Co. right now. Residents must follow things like the Environment Act and building code. Deputy Mayor Darlene Norman said if someone wanted to set up a factory on vacant land in a residential area, council has no control over this. “People can do what they want, and that became a problem,” said Deputy Mayor Norman.

The roots of the strategy began in 2002. In the seven years since, over 60 members of the public took part in Area Advisory Committees, which were divided into six regions of the county.

Having this hearing is the last step in the public process. Only councillors who attended the hearing will be allowed to debate and vote on the document. The only one unable to attend was Mayor John Leefe.

Several members of the public asked if another public hearing would be held. Deputy Mayor Norman said council can make that decision, but would not commit to an answer.

Members of the public can still contact their councillor with concerns or questions, and were encouraged to do so.

The by-laws are intended to be a living document, if it is passed. This means as the community changes, the by-laws can change with it. The document will still need approval by the province of Nova Scotia.

Copies of the bylaw are still available at the Planning Dept. or on the Region of Queens website, regionofqueens.com.