Victory for DC Marine in battle over zoning in Georgina

YorkRegion.com
Sept. 20, 2017
Heidi Riedner

A Georgina business won’t have to shut its doors after a zoning issue, deeming it “illegal,” was finally resolved with the town earlier this month.

DC Marine owners Doug and Penny Closs were granted a three-year reprieve after council voted in favour of a temporary use bylaw that will allow their business, which includes a U-haul rental and recreational vehicle storage on Baseline Road just east of Warden Avenue, to carry on.

The decision comes about 18 months after the couple was notified by the town their business was “illegal” under zoning bylaws and would have to shut down.

It’s been a “difficult battle”, according to daughter Miranda Closs, who thanked everyone who not only came out to council Sept. 13, but also signed a petition and wrote letters of support since the issue first arose in April 2016 after a complaint was lodged with the town.

“It was amazing to see such support and appreciation given to my parents. I'm so grateful for the way everyone pulled together and stood by them through this,” she posted on Facebook.

A more permanent solution in the form of a straight rezoning of the property is pretty much off the table since the province tightened up Greenbelt legislation.

The property is designated protected agricultural, effectively leaving little wiggle room under both the region’s and town’s official plans, which must conform with provincial legislation.

Many Georgina businesses face the same situation since this designation only permits agricultural and agricultural-related uses, thereby preventing the lands from being traditionally rezoned to recognize their existing uses.

Town staff recommended the temporary rezoning, saying the business should be considered a typical "highway commercial use" since the property fronts onto Baseline Road and is adjacent to rural residential lots, the York Region Works Yard and the York Regional Police Station.

Staff were also satisfied the business does not negatively impact the adjacent lands.

In addition, the town has only received one complaint since the business was established eight years ago. In contrast, the town received nine letters and a petition containing almost 900 signatures in support of the application.