At the Jan 14th session of Carleton Place council’s committee of the whole, a decision was made effectively reversing one from Nov 12 of last year. At that meeting Rental Village, located at the corner of Cavanaugh Rd and McNeely Ave, had applied for permission to place a temporary building on their lot due to growth in their business. The trailer was already on site. They indicated to town staff that it was their intention to construct a new addition in the near future, but they needed extra space in the meantime. The committee heard from town planner Joanna Bowes, but committee chair, councilor Toby Randell refused to let Rental Village representative Sean Monette, who was in attendance, speak. At no time did staff indicate that the Monettes had been in communication with town planning and bylaw staff since March of 2019 trying to get approval, nor was any indication given that the temporary building remained unoccupied and un-powered and would stay that way until approval was obtained. Nor did Bowes let the committee members know that Monette had registered to speak. The committee voted down the request, citing the fact that the trailer was already in place, it was not in compliance with planning regs and that it would detract from the otherwise good looks of the property.

Bowes brought all this information to light at the Jan 14th session, including her position that the trailer would be similar in appearance to one currently located in front of the hospital and her recommendation to approve it, but offered no reason why her omissions were made in November. The committee voted to approve the temporary structure.

Article by Brian Turner