Emily Bowen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ebowen@midwesternnewspapers.com

TEESWATER – A major expansion of South Bruce Flooring’s parent operation has received the green light from municipal council, moving forward with what was described by council as a “long process.”

At its March 24 meeting, the Municipality of South Bruce council approved a zoning bylaw amendment that will allow Bernie McGlynn Lumber, which houses the South Bruce Flooring retail outlet, to proceed with a proposed 30,000-square-foot expansion. The project includes a new sawmill, planning operations and expanded storage, as well as site development on adjacent farmland.

The decision followed a detailed planning review and public consultation process to determine whether the expansion follows provincial, county and local land-use policies. The amendment was needed because the proposed development goes beyond the current zoning permissions for the property and into designated agricultural land. The change will reclassify the property to permit industrial operations tied to the lumber business.

According to planning documents presented to council, the expansion would take place on a 2.7-hectare portion of land that will be used for outdoor storage and construction of the new facility. The application was reviewed by Bruce County planner Benito Russo, who recommended approval as the proposal was consistent with broader planning goals.

Russo told council the project would not negatively affect sensitive environmental features and noted its distance from nearby residences, with the closest property being around 140 metres from the development area.

“The proposal is consistent with provincial, county and municipal planning policy,” Russo stated. “It will keep the rural character intact.”

According to the applicant’s planning representative Jen Chantler of Nethery Planning, who spoke on behalf of Bernie McGlynn Lumber, the expansion is intended to address space constraints at the existing lumber operation.

Chantler told council the expansion would allow the business to better organize its industrial activities, including sawmilling and wood processing functions that are currently limited by available site space.

Despite the planning staff recommendation for approval, the application drew concerns from neighbouring residents who raised questions about land-use compatibility, traffic, safety, environmental impact and fire risk.

Members of the public and nearby property owners had the opportunity to submit comments during the consultation period. An email submitted by Trish Graham, a nearby resident, included specific requests intended to prevent potential impacts on quality of life.

“Upon further discussion with my husband, we would like some input into how this is going to make a positive difference on our end,” the email stated.

Graham proposed several conditions, including a triple row of mature pine or cedar trees around the expanded zone, restricted construction hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only, and a prohibition on weekend construction.

She also suggested limiting manufacturing operations to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no heavy equipment operating before 7 a.m., except for snow removal in winter, which could begin at 6:30 a.m.

Additional concerns included lighting and noise. Graham requested that no lights shine toward neighbouring properties and that sawmill doors remain closed except when lumber is being moved in or out.

“We feel these are reasonable expectations given the infringement of the quality of our life,” the email stated. All requests proposed by Graham were agreed to and were included in the amendment, and no further comments were made by the public during the council meeting.

Under the provincial D-6 guidelines, setbacks vary depending on surrounding land uses. In this case the proposal has been classified as a Class 2 development, requiring a minimum setback of 70 metres and an area of influence of 300 metres. Any sensitive or protected uses, including residential properties within that area, must be given special consideration. If the project had been deemed a Class 3 development, it would instead need a significantly larger setback of 300 metres.

Council was assured that the site’s environmental impact is expected to be limited. Planning staff noted there are no significant natural heritage features on or near the property that would be affected by the development. The review also found no major constraints related to drainage or environmental sensitivity that would prevent the expansion from proceeding.

Planning documents, including both a Planning Report (Z-12 McGlynn) and a Planning Justification Report, were used to support the council’s decision. The reports assessed the proposal against the Provincial Planning Statement, Bruce County’s Official Plan, and the Municipality of South Bruce’s Official Plan. 

Following discussion, council voted to approve the zoning amendment, allowing the project to move forward to the next stage of development approvals and permitting.