MAPLETON – A Mapleton contracting business isn’t taking no from the township for an answer.
John and Marlene Horst, owners of 7433 Wellington Rd. 7 in Alma, have filed an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) over Mapleton council’s denial of a zoning bylaw amendment that would permit Horst’s existing contracting business to continue operating there.
In summer 2024, Mapleton council turned down the application that would allow J.M. Building Contractors to continue operating out of a secondary dwelling on the property, which is zoned prime agriculture.
According to its website, J.M. Building Contractors specializes in crafting traditional timber beam structures.
Councillors called the applicant deceptive due to a past zoning application being turned down and approval for the secondary dwelling at the committee of adjustment was on the condition the building would not be for business use.
An appeal letter filed with the OLT said the proposed amendment is appropriate as the business adequately protects nearby farm land and does not have a negative impact on it.
“The property does not comprise a specialty crop area. The property was previously removed from agricultural production by way of a severance under the surplus farm dwelling policies and the property is currently occupied by a dwelling,” the letter said.
The appeal said there is no reasonable alternative location for the business and relocating to a settlement area isn’t feasible.
It cites a township planning report which said “the applicant has also demonstrated that the business is quite successful and thriving in this area. The use is needed in this community and is providing employment opportunities to Mapleton’s population. The business is utilized by both the farming community and the urban area.”
The letter said the appellant is willing to mediate this with the township.
No hearing dates have been set at this time.