The Voice of North Grenville
The North Grenville Times
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The Voice of North Grenville Reaching by direct mail 8,500 homes and businesses in North Grenville
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April 11, 2024
Vol. 12 No.14
“Thee Farm”: When a dream meets controversy
byBrandon Mayer
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April 11, 2024
A new development proposal is on the horizon for North Grenville, and no, it isn’t a residential neighbourhood. Instead, the property at 4100 County Road 43, owned by D&G Landscaping, is slated to be turned into a tourist hub if the needed approvals are passed by Council. The site has been given the name “Thee Farm”. “There are applications for amendment to the North Grenville Official Plan and Zoning By-law that will enable the owner to change the use of the property to a rural tourism zone,” explained Don Stephenson, a representative of D&G Landscaping. “This would allow a banquet hall and some associated short
term rental accommodation.” There are big plans for the property. “A drive up the tree lined driveway immediately takes you back in time,” said Don. “A portion of the property had been used over the years as a residence, a farm, and a variety of small scale commercial ventures. Throughout the years, as the owners attended the site, they fell in love with the property. As the extraction (from onsite sandpits) continued, they enjoyed using the northern portion for their own personal enjoyment, as they and their family and friends began using it more for recreation and relaxation.” After years of extraction, one of the sandpits on the property was nearly depleted, resulting in the formation of a large lake. The original barn
that was on the property was torn down due to its age, and a new “barn-like structure” was built in its place, complete with high end finishes and extensive landscaping. The feedback from the property owners’ friends and family was overwhelmingly positive. “With Kemptville being less than an hour by car from all parts of Ottawa, ‘Thee Farm’ could well be a destination for businesses and individuals from the Ottawa area, as well as from Leeds and Grenville. Visitors to the venue would undoubtably take the opportunity to shop or dine while they are in Kemptville.” The site is now fitted with tennis and volleyball courts, and a beach area and dock were added adjacent to the newly created lake. Don
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stresses that respecting the neighbours has always been a priority for the owners of the property. An information session was held on March 26, and the formal planning meeting in which the amendment requests were considered was held on April 10. However, several neighbours of the property have raised concerns about the future plans for the site. Alicia Sabino explained that the property is currently considered a residential property, but it has been slowly turning into a “glamping” (glamorous camping) area and wedding venue. Alicia believes that this has been strategic on the part of D&G Landscaping, because it has been easier for them to get building permits for new structures while zoned residential. “There has been quite a lack of transparency on the part of the developer and the Municipality, which is very frustrating,” said Alicia. “The level of detail that has been provided in (municipal) notices has not been adequate.” She believes that there has not been much opposition from the community regarding the development because of the lack of detail, and now she and her neighbours fear it is too late to properly voice their concerns. “They’ve maneuvered through the by-laws,” Alicia cont'd on page 2
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