A group of Sidney residents affected by the town’s plan to update its zoning bylaw plan to show up to tonight’s council meeting en masse.
Ray Headrick plans to speak to council with several neighbours in tow. He’ll argue the town didn’t adequately inform residents of how their properties will be affected by the bylaw and hopes to present a petition with more than 60 signatures.
Headrick said many houses will become non-conforming if the bylaw is passed tonight, a point the town does not dispute. Headrick added affected residents will either need to apply for spot rezoning in the aftermath or they might lost their ability to do structural renovations, additions or get a mortgage or insurance.
Last week, Coun. Tim Chad agreed with Headrick’s concerns and voted against a third reading of the bylaw. It still passed with the rest of council voting in favour.
Sidney’s chief administrative officer Randy Humble recently told the news review a homeowner’s ability to get a mortgage or insurance depends on the broker and the state of the property. He added that through open houses, an article in the Peninsula News Review and several advertisements, residents had the opportunity to be fully informed about the changes before this late in the game.
Headrick counters the town's literature told residents of the changes, but failed to outline what effects they might have.
"This is deception. It was not open," he said.
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