Council says no to Mexican kids' camp

Council says no to Mexican kids' camp

LISA TALLYN Staff Writer Halton Hills council gave the thumbs down recently to an application for a seasonal educational and recreational facility on a Clayhill Rd. property. Council members supported the Town staff recommendation that the Niagara Escarpment Commission, which has final say on the application, be advised the Town doesn't support it. The 27-acre property, which used to be home to a seniors' residence, is owned by Jose Leopoldo Enrique Reyes Oliva. The application is for a seasonal educational and recreational facility for students aged 8 to 13 years from Mexico City. Joel Farber, lawyer for the applicant, Juan Jorge Castro Soto, said the students would only be on the property approximately 15 weeks per year-- through July and August-- Easter vacation and two weeks at Christmas. He said the students would spend more time off the property than on it as they will be doing extensive sight-seeing in the Greater Toronto JOAN Area. ROBSON He called it a "fairly innocuous use." "I certainly know I face an uphill political battle," said Farber, who asked council members to "consider expanding your decision-making criteria." Councillor Joan Robson raised concerns about noise for the neighbours in the area. She said when the children have come to the property in the past, (when the property was being used unlawfully) it has caused "considerable disruption for the people living in the area." Councillor Jane Fogal asked, if not the proposed application, what could go on the property? Farber said a kennel could be an option. "It could have barking dogs 24 hours a day," said Farber. Mayor Rick Bonnette said the application does not adhere to the regional plan. Area resident Robert Stanley said a petition opposing the application has been signed by 29 of the 31 area residents. "This application will only put additional stress on the area," said Barbara Halsall of Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources (P.O.W.E.R.). All council members, except for Mike O'Leary who wasn't present for the vote, voted not to support the application. (Lisa Tallyn can be reached at ltallyn@independentfreepress.com)