Iain Mudd

The appellant appealed the municipality's failure to make a decision on a proposed Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment for 16 seasonal residential lots on the shoreline of Pigeon Lake.

The central issue was whether the proposal constituted 'infill development' under the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

The Tribunal found that the proposal met the common usage definition of infill development and satisfied all requirements for the protection of key hydrologic and natural heritage features.

The Tribunal allowed the appeals, approving the draft plan of subdivision and amending the zoning by-law.

The applicant appealed the conditions of a draft plan of subdivision, specifically contesting the County's requirements for additional hydrogeological studies to protect the municipal water supply located in the Norwood Esker.

The applicant argued that sufficient work had already been done and that the County's demands were unnecessary and inequitable.

The Tribunal preferred the evidence of the County's hydrogeological experts, finding that a precautionary approach was warranted given the high vulnerability of the village's water source.

The Tribunal concluded that the County's revised conditions were reasonable, consistent with provincial policies on source water protection, and represented good planning in the public interest.

The appeal was dismissed.