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NEC says no to unlimited number of horse shows at Halton Place By CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) unanimously voted to refuse Halton Place a development permit for an unlimited number of events in 2011 and beyond. The decision was made at its monthly meeting, March 17, at the NEC office in Georgetown. Halton Place is a 200-acre horse farm on 15 Sideroad, within the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) area, and must get permits for its equestrian events. This year, Halton Place filed an application in January requesting a permit for an unlimited number of horse shows for 2011 and beyond with no limitation on the hours of operation. Halton Place also requested "ancillary facilities" including charity fundraisers and social gatherings, plus permission to allow horse owners, riders and trainers to stay overnight in their own trailers during the shows. Refusal was based on the premise the application went beyond the bounds of the Niagara Escarpment Plan. Halton Place solicitor Thomas Arnold attempted to defer a decision to April's NEC meeting so that Halton Place owner Timur Leckebusch could attend and speak directly to the commissioners. Leckebusch is currently in Europe. "I believe he had the right to be here," said Arnold, calling it procedural fairness. But the commissioners were reluctant to extend the deferral. "I say we deal with this now," said Com- 9 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, March 31, 2011 `With this application we have reached the point when it's no longer agricultural... but commercial and that's a very important decision because it could have repercussions down the road... -- NEC Commissioner Cecil Louis missioner Donald Alexander, with Commissioner Corwin T. Cambray adding, "(otherwise) It just leaves the entire neighbourhood guessing and waiting." On behalf of the neighbours opposing the Halton Place application, neighbour Jack Pemberton told the NEC they oppose any deferral. Only three of 14 attending commissioners supported the bid for deferral. NEC planner David Johnston told Commission members, "there are significant concerns with the growing intensity of these shows, and the amount of property that is proposed to be used for overnight camping associated with these shows. In our estimation (staff) it's getting a little beyond what the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) would allow." According to its website, Halton Place has planned to host at least four shows this year, Summers Here (July 20-24) and Canadian Country Classic Weeks 1, 2 and 3. (August 24 to Sept. 11). Arnold also noted at the NEC meeting that the first event scheduled for Halton Place is June 4-5. Neighbours-- most of whom spoke at the Town of Halton Hills council meeting March 8-- reiterated their weariness with battling Halton Place annually on its aggressive development of the property from an agricultural farm to a commercialized recreation business. They cited protection of the Niagara Escarpment, the environment, declining property values, ongoing noise and the threat of overnight trailer parking in the summer as key issues. While the neighbours say they would accept the same level of activity as in previous years-- they could not accept the "carte blanche" of unlimited shows in perpetuity. After losing the deferral request, Arnold attempted to reframe the application by suggesting the NEC give Halton Place approval for the four planned horse shows in 2011, and deal with the other issues later. However the NEC commissioners rejected that offer, saying they would deal with the application that was filed. In rejecting the application, NEC Commissioner Cecil Louis stated, "With this application we have reached the point when it's no longer agricultural... but commercial and that's a very important decision because it could have repercussions down the road for similar applications." Commissioner Tom Boyle agreed saying, "Now I see what actually the applicant wants after seven years or so, I'm not sure I can support....the development permit that is being applied for is indicative of a different use." NEC manager Ken Whitbread said an appeal against the decision could be filed within a 14-day period. A preliminary hearing would be set up with the Environmental Review Tribunal about a month after that followed by a special hearing if required. Alternatively, he said, Halton Place could file a new application simply for the four horse shows requested in 2011, but it would likely not be until the May NEC meeting before a decision would be made, and then again, that would be followed by an appeal period. Meanwhile, NEC compliance officer Mathew Williamson confirmed the Ministry of Natural Resources has filed charges against Halton Place on work done without a development permit. Williamson would not specify the nature of the work since the matter is now before the courts, but the staff report referred to the construction of a berm for sound attenuation and spectator viewing. He said if found guilty, the penalty is usually in the form of a financial penalty or could include restoration of the land. Community Shred Event GEORGETOWN MARKETPLACE GEORGETOWN MARKETPLACE Saturday, April 2, 2011 Saturday, 2, 2011 10:00 a.m. April - 2:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Donation of $5/bag or $10/banker's box Don't make your trash an identity thief's treasure... Dispose of household documents safely and securely Donation of $5/bag or $10/banker's box in partnership with: 280 Guelph St. ­ Hwy. 7 Georgetown - 905-873-8918 Visit our Website: http://www.georgetownmarketplace.com