Grimsby Committee of Adjustment Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Grimsby Committee of Adjustment met on May 19, 2026, and approved three applications: a seasonal temporary tent at 288 Camp Road West, a detached garage variance at 37 St. Andrews Avenue, and a boundary adjustment for 514 and 532 Ridge Road East. The longest discussion focused on whether the St. Andrews Avenue application should be required to complete an archaeological assessment before approval.

Topics Discussed

TEMPORARY TENT VARIANCE: 288 Camp Road West

The committee approved File A04-26 for a temporary tent at 288 Camp Road West. The variance allows the tent to remain from May 1 to Nov. 1 each year until Nov. 1, 2029, rather than complying with the usual two-week limit for temporary tents.

Applicant Nella Flutter said the tent would be used for family gatherings including "a bridal shower" and "a baby shower," and told the committee, "instead of doing it every you know time just apply I find it cheaper...to just do one time the tent and just leave it there for the season."

Niagara Region staff had no objection, with conditions. As read into the record: "Regional infrastructure planning and development staff have no objections to the approval of the minor variance application... provided there is no increase in the maximum occupancy allowed for events on the property. No events are held inside and outside at the same time and the porteries are removed immediately after each event."

GARAGE VARIANCE: 37 St. Andrews Avenue

The committee approved File A05-26 for 37 St. Andrews Avenue, where Amy and Ryan Vandercoy sought variances to build a detached garage/workspace. The application requested accessory building lot coverage of 11.2% where 10% is permitted, and total lot coverage of 30% where 25% is permitted in the RD3 zone.

The archaeological condition drew the most debate. A resident questioned why the requirement applied in this case, saying, "the requirement was due to the project needing... more than 36 square meters of new excavation," and added that "it would not actually been required if we were just looking for a building permit. It is only considered if we are actually looking for a variance."

Councillor Dylan asked whether removing the condition would conflict with provincial policy and expose the town to risk, asking whether the committee, "as a quasi judicial body," was "able to wave such a provision," and whether "by us waving that do we then undermine what provincial policy has dictated."

Staff said the property had not been cleared of archaeological potential. The heritage planning department stated, "It is important to note that this property has not been cleared of archeological potential and future studies may be required as a part of other planning applications." Staff also said that if anything is found during construction, "all activities must stop immediately."

Councillor Fay supported the application after visiting the site, saying, "None of the trees were damaged. They weren't ripped down," and calling the request "a very simple need to have a few meters of land."

The committee ultimately approved the variance and, according to the meeting notes, removed the archaeological assessment condition.

BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT: 514 AND 532 RIDGE ROAD EAST

The committee approved File B04-26, a consent application for a lot boundary adjustment involving 514 and 532 Ridge Road East. About 725 square metres of land will be severed from one parcel and merged with the adjoining property.

According to the meeting materials, the adjustment is intended to support a second-storey addition to an existing single-family dwelling, front and rear covered porches, a new entrance, and a new septic system. The lands are split between Grimsby and Lincoln, and Lincoln's committee had already approved its portion of the application.

Planning staff recommended approval subject to conditions, including completion within two years and obtaining Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority clearance for the septic system.

APPEALS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

At the start of the meeting, the committee advised that applicants, the Town of Grimsby, the minister, or specified persons have 20 days from the notice of decision to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Members of the public were told they would have five minutes to speak on each application and could speak once per item.

HOW TO OBTAIN DECISIONS

The committee said copies of decisions would be mailed to applicants and agents. Residents seeking a copy were directed to contact the secretary-treasurer by email.

Motions

• File A04-26 - 288 Camp Road West - Minor Variance for Temporary Tent — Approved, subject to conditions including:
  • tent erection limited to May 1 to Nov. 1 each year
  • tent location restricted to the area shown on the submitted plan
• File A05-26 - 37 St. Andrews Avenue - Minor Variance for Detached Garage — Approved
• Amendment related to File A05-26 - Archaeological Assessment Condition — Removed, according to the meeting notes
• File B04-26 - 514 and 532 Ridge Road East - Consent for Boundary Adjustment — Approved, subject to conditions

Attendees

• Daniel Collins, Chair
• Councillor Dylan
• Councillor Fay