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12 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,March 23, 2010 By Cory Soal R.H.A.D. . . . Lend Me Your Ears Frustrated neighbours tell Town council they've had enough of Halton Place events By CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer Neighbours concerned about a growing equestrian farm on 15 Sideroad packed the public gallery of the council chambers at a recent council meeting. The residents say this normally quiet countryside is disrupted with six equestrian events throughout the summer, starting this year on May 26 and ending Sept. 12. Noise, additional traffic, manure disposal, water impacts, lack of adherence to Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC), Conservation Halton and Town regulations and lowered property values are their chief concerns. In January, council had asked its planning department to provide an update on the status of the required works associated with a site plan agreement between the Town and Halton Place. Halton Hills Planning Director Bruce MacLean said only minor items are left to be completed of the site plan requirements and "we anticipate the work can easily be done prior to any events occurring in May." Halton Place solicitor Bert Arnold agreed things are "moving at a good pace now... and outstanding works can be done...as long as somebody doesn't trip us up with some more permit requirements." Council passed a staff recommendation that the agreement and all required works must be done at least 30 days before the first Halton Place event set for May 26. But several residents had their say first. Neighbour Ron Morin, speaking on behalf of his neighbours, finds it downright overwhelming for the residents and suggests a multi-agency committee be set up to deal with issues on this property. "It's a little intimidating when we, as neighbours, are trying to understand what's going on and to protect our own property and living style," Morin said. "We seem to be just saddled with this." Neighbouring property owner Jack Pemberton was even more blunt. "We must contain this blight in the middle of our agricultural community; we cannot let it grow," he said. Halton Place owner Timur Leckebusch had been scheduled to speak, but he withdrew his request, leaving his lawyer to classic cars and dog trial shows, and weddings and banquets events, Whitbread said. While the NEC at its February meeting did not void the 2010 portion of the two-year permit issued to Halton Place for equestrian events, as requested by the residents, "Next year is a new year," said Whitbread. "And whether based on performance, the Commission actually issues a permit next year will be telling," he said, adding the NEC compliance officer has been active on this file. Neighbour Mike Shantz questioned the creation of a berm around a fourth riding ring by heavy equipment last fall, stating this is yet another case when Halton Place goes ahead and does something, then applies for a permit afterwards. Whitbread agreed a NEC development permit is required for a berm/ring if it is used as part of the 2010 events, but not if it's part of the general agricultural operations of the property. Whitbread said the NEC is still waiting for Halton Place to come and talk to them to find out what's required and what's not. He suggested that the Town of Halton Hills complete the site plan process with Halton Place, adding a codicil requiring a permit for the spectator berm. While Halton Place filed an application on Feb. 12 for a NEC Development Permit for the spectator berm/riding ring located at the former BMX bike track location, they advised NEC at the time there is no plan to use the riding ring in 2010. Arnold said the one-metre high spectator berm could be easily removed but noted it was initially put in as a noise attenuation technique. "If that ring is used (in events this year) there would be consequences (for Halton Place)," warned Whitbread. But again Arnold at Monday's meeting assured the riding ring would not be used during shows. Halton Place, he said, has complied with all Town requirements on a timely basis. Representing a clearly frustrated council, Mayor Rick Bonnette said the Town staff's efforts are just trying to bring peace to the neighbourhood by addressing the concerns of the residents and let Halton Place progress as well. COUNSELLING THE NEW HEARING AID USER The following few tips, if followed correctly, will prolong the benefits and enjoyment of better hearing: ·Do not get the hearing aid wet ·Do not leave the instrument where it is too hot or cold ·Try not to drop the hearing aid ·Do not spray cleaning solution or hair spray on the instrument ·Keep the instrument and batteries out of the reach of small children and especially pets If any of the above problems do occur, please don't hesitate to call... The Georgetown We care about your hearing! Professional Arts Building 99 Sinclair Ave., Suite 210 Georgetown Neighbours say equestrian events at nearby Halton Place have adversely affected their lifestyle. File photo speak in his stead. MacLean agreed the multi-jurisdictions were confusing and it does require co-ordination. He explained the different roles of the various agencies and explained the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) has the lead agency role. Appearing at the invitation of Halton Hills council, NEC manager Ken Whitbread said NEC commissioners have some real sympathy for the neighbours. "Their whole summer, by and large, is taken up with events...people who have had a pastoral rural environment now have event after event," said Whitbred. In his history of the property, Whitbread said about 10 years ago when Halton Place first approached the NEC for a permit to operate the equestrian farm, it was denied. But that was appealed, and Halton Place won. "Over the years we've had a lot of difficulty with Halton Place, primarily them not getting permits, so this is nothing new," said Whitbread Since then the NEC has attempted to "scope down" the property's entrepreneurial efforts by denying a BMX bike track, (905) 873-6642 Tooth Chatter QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Q. I believe that I require new dentures but I'm concerned how my appearance will be changed? A. At the Denture Clinic we always go through a "wax try-in" stage. The selected teeth are set up in a wax base and fitted in your mouth. You then have the opportunity to see, in a mirror, exactly how the denture will appear, before it is completed. As the teeth are only in wax at this stage, we have the liberty to move the teeth about, or even change the particular tooth selection. We never go beyond this step until we have accomplished exactly the natural, pleasing appearance you desire. Q. What is a permanent processed reline/rebase? A. 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