By Michael Bennett
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Ridgetown Independent
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent took the next step towards allowing additional houses on existing rural properties by unanimously voting at a recent meeting.
Council approved administration’s recommendation to begin a public consultation period to permit additional detached dwellings on farm and non-farm properties.
The municipality will also seek public feedback on creating new policies to increase residential housing opportunities while prioritizing the needs of agriculture operations and the protection of agricultural lands.
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan made a successful motion back in March directing administration to prepare a report after being approached by residents in her ward interested in farm succession planning or keeping members close to home.
Harrigan said this is not about taking away farmland to create housing or putting up subdivisions in the rural area.
“It’s more catered to the conversations we often get, ‘Can I build a house on my grandparents farm property,’ or ‘I’d like to be the next generation in farming, but there’s no place for me to live conveniently close to the farm,’” Harrigan told council.
Public engagement and information will be posted on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website, where residents can provide input.
The municipality will also publicize information in local print media advertisements and consult with the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the local agriculture organizations.
The consultation period will be open until September, and the administration is directed to provide its recommendations to the council in early October.
