Summary

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee addressed several significant land use and environmental matters. The most contentious issue was the approval of a quarry expansion at 635 and 891 Jeninson Road, which will result in the complete loss of all natural features on the 117-hectare site, including wetlands that provide flood mitigation and groundwater recharge. The committee also approved the downgrading of 75 hectares of the Gulburn Wetland Complex from provincially significant status, reducing environmental protections. On a more positive note, the committee received a draft Rural Economic Development Plan and heard a proposal for private rural transit service to address long-standing transportation gaps in outer wards.

Topics Discussed

Stittsville Quarry Expansion Approved Despite Environmental Concerns

The committee approved Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments to permit RW Tomlinson Limited to expand the Stittsville Quarry on 117 hectares at 635 and 891 Jeninson Road. The expansion will extract bedrock from 106 hectares with an 11-hectare buffer zone. Environmental advocates raised serious concerns about inadequate species surveys, alleged destruction of threatened turtle habitat, and the loss of wetlands scoring maximum points for flood mitigation and groundwater recharge. Janet Stvinga of Friends of Stittsville Wetlands stated: "You'll be sacrificing innumerable ecosystem services provided by wetlands and significant woodlands for generations to come." The staff report acknowledged that approval would result in "the loss of ALL natural features on the site," though the applicant committed to creating 159 acres of natural features through progressive rehabilitation, exceeding the current 113 acres. Resident Mike Wesley expressed concern about drainage impacts: "We have enough drainage issues not corrected for years. We don't need more."

Wetland Protection Downgraded for 75 Hectares

The committee approved removing provincially significant wetland designation from 75 hectares of the Gulburn Wetland Complex near Fernbank and Flewellin Roads, and adjusting boundaries of Richmond Fen near Conley Road. This follows provincial policy changes in 2022 that made it easier to reclassify wetlands. The affected areas will be rezoned from Environmental Protection (EP3) to Rural Countryside (RU), reducing protections while maintaining some safeguards including 30-meter buffers and requirements for environmental impact studies. Delegates warned this represents "death by a thousand cuts," noting that 129.58 hectares (14%) of the Gulburn Wetland Complex have lost provincial protection in less than four years. Ontario Nature representatives argued the city has authority to exceed provincial minimum standards, citing Guelph's stronger local wetland policies as an example.

Rural Economic Development Plan Presented for Consultation

Staff presented a draft Rural Economic Development Plan with 12 recommendations to support businesses in Ottawa's five rural wards, where 17% of the city's population lives. Key initiatives include creating a permanent Rural Business Liaison position, establishing quarterly in-person business clinics in each rural ward, forming a Rural Business Advisory Group, and exploring expanded on-farm diversified uses. Councillor Skolowski raised concerns the plan is "heavy on support and promotion and light on barrier removal," emphasizing rural businesses need specific barriers removed including zoning constraints, approval timelines, fees, and servicing limitations. He stated: "I don't yet see a clear main street rebuild pathway for legacy village lots that are constrained by servicing rules." The plan enters a 30-day public consultation period with final approval scheduled for May 7th.

Private Rural Transit Service Proposed

Jerry Pearson of Rolling Luxury presented a proposal to provide private transit service to rural wards using mini-coach buses, similar to successful models in North Grenville and Pembroke. The service would feature fixed routes with hybrid on-demand stops, wheelchair accessibility, and connections to major hubs including Place d'Orléans, Kanata, and Centrum. Pearson stated: "Inflation is actually becoming a problem for a lot of families...they're having problems even holding on to even just their one car." The committee passed a motion directing staff to review the rural transit funding model, evaluate engaging private mass transportation providers, and report back in Q3 2026 with an implementation plan including budget impacts and proposed timelines for pilots.

Home-Based Business Expansion Approved with Conditions

The committee approved a zoning amendment for Air Rock Drilling at 6659 Franktown Road to permit an enlarged home-based business operation. The applicant reduced their request from six to four large vehicles on-site and revised the requested business area from 670 to 420 square meters, though this still exceeded staff's recommended 320 square meters. Staff raised concerns about a coverall structure that has had an open building permit since 2004-2005 and noted the larger expansion has "greater potential for causing nuisance to neighboring properties." The committee confirmed the business must still comply with existing nuisance regulations covering noise, dust, and vibration.

Motions

Passed: - Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 635 and 891 Jeninson Road (Stittsville Quarry expansion) - Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments to remove provincially significant wetland designation from portions of Gulburn Wetland Complex and adjust Richmond Fen boundaries - Transportation Master Plan amendments (Item 7.1) - Rural Community Building Grant Program recommendations (Item 7.3) - 2025 Annual Report under Building Code Act (Item 7.4) - Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 6659 Franktown Road (Air Rock Drilling home-based business) - Motion directing staff to review rural transit funding model and private provider engagement, with report due Q3 2026 - Delegation of authority under Section 65 of the Drainage Act to General Manager and Director for appointing engineers

Deferred: - Draft Rural Economic Development Plan (30-day public consultation, final approval scheduled May 7th)

Attendees

The transcript does not provide a complete list of councillors present. Identified participants include: - Councillor Skolowski (Ward 5) - Councillor Gower - Councillor Brown - The Committee Chair (name not specified)