ERIN – The fate of Keith’s Trailer Sales in Erin remains up in the air, as councillors struggle with the decision of whether to issue a permanent zoning to allow the local business to stay where it is.
Following a public meeting in March, the County of Wellington Planning Department has expressed their concerns with the application as they believe it’s “inconsistent with provincial policy and does not conform to the Greenbelt Plan, the Growth Plan, and the County and Town Official Plans,” despite several supportive comments from locals.
The issue will come back to council at a later date for a final decision.
Keith Barrick, owner of Keith’s Trailer Sales has lived in Hillsburgh since 2014 and opened his dealership in 2016.
Barrick said in a statement that he appreciated the support he’s received from other community members.
“There's a lot of people that are employed here, a lot of local families that rely on this place,” said Barrick. “Not just for their livelihoods, and employment, but for the service and the products they purchase from us.”
During Thursday’s Erin council meeting, councillors voiced their understanding of the planning staff's conclusion but remained split 50/50 over the decision.
“This is a tough one,” said Coun. John Brennan “I certainly wouldn’t want to try and argue with the planners…but I would say that from (the owner’s) point of view, we do have some sort of authority to do something different if we choose to.”
A previous temporary use bylaw was approved in 2020 and extended in 2022. According to city documents, the intent of the previous bylaw was to allow the owner time to find a new site while continuing to operate the existing business – not as an avenue to support long-term permissions on the property.
“I think there's some legal interpretation that might be made one way or another. What I am persuaded by is the fact that the temporary use…now extends to 2026,” said Councillor Brennan. “There is no limit on how many times you can renew. In practicality, the applicants could apply for another extended temporary use permit.”
Councillor Bridget Ryan agreed with Brennan on how she was also “struggling” with how “difficult” the decision is.
“I think that you have done an excellent job in establishing what your desire is and your need for the business to continue that way,” said Ryan, addressing Barrick directly in the chamber. “And I think it is also further detailed by your neighbours what an asset you are in the community.”
However, she stood fast in her belief that agro-tourism should remain a priority for the town.
“My concern here is based on my position as a councillor, it’s not personal; I see what a great community person you are,” said Ryan. “So what I'm concerned about is we're losing daily 319 acres of prime agriculture…it’s all about urbanization, agricultural lands that we generally don't get back.”
Keith’s Trailer Sales is located on the east side of Trafalgar Road, south of Erin-Garafraxa Townline. The lands are approximately 2.55 hectares and have a lot frontage of approximately 127 metres along Trafalgar Road.
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)