Public Participation Meeting
Date: December 9, 2020
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Virtual

A public participation meeting was held on December 9, 2020 at 6:00pm virtually using Microsoft Teams. Notification was provided to all properties within 30m (100ft) of each of the REC Zoned properties, not just the subject property (arena). In attendance at the meeting were two members of the public, Graham Hopkins the Inspection & Facilities Manager on behalf the applicant, and two staff. Notice was published on December 2, 2020 in the South Shore Breakerfor one week prior to the meeting. The notes from the meeting can be found in Appendix C, as well as emails to staff and online comments from the Development Applications webpage. Concerns expressed by meeting attendees centered on how the proposed changes could allow for Transit and Park Facilities uses at other properties zoned Recreation (REC) in Bridgewater including locations such as the Curling Club and Kinsmen field. Staff commented on that there are constraints to using other properties zoned Recreation (REC) for the proposed land uses and made clear that the proposal is for Bridgewater Memorial Arena. Staff suggested that this concern could be addressed by ensuring that Parks Facilities and Transit Facilities be permitted only in existing structures. The Planner was asked why the Town would not rezone the BMA property instead of adding to new land uses. The Planner replied that the proposed land uses are currently not identified anywhere in the Land Use By-law it is appropriate to add Park and Transit Facilities as permitted land uses in the Recreation (Rec) Zone. 

The public input period has ended.