Articles

Fall 2021 (trailer licensing, traffic bylaw)

The Policy and Planning Quarterly provides quarterly highlights of by-law changes, Council decisions and land-use planning matters that are of public interest.  

Bylaws

Trailer Licensing Bylaw

(Full Bylaw available at www.espanola.ca or at the Municipal Office, 100 Tudhope Street)

Highlights:

• To use a recreational vehicle (RV) or trailer for temporary habitation on any property within the Municipality, a license is required. Different restrictions will apply based on the zoning of the property and this information will be provided as part of the licensing process. This does not apply to campgrounds as defined in the by-law or assessed trailers (assessed under the Assessment Act).
• For lots that already have a primary residential use (like a house or cottage), an accessory use of an RV or trailer is permitted on a temporary basis for temporary habitation for up to 10 days without requiring a license. For example, family or friends visiting and parking an RV on your property (where there is already a residential dwelling) for a weekend or period of up to 10 days.
• These rules do not apply to the storage of an RV or trailer on your property. Pursuant to the Zoning Bylaw, storage of a recreational vehicle may only occur on a residential lot, or accessory to a permitted residential use. Storage of a recreational vehicle is not permitted on a lot without a primary use (vacant land). The storage of only one RV or trailer is permitted and shall not exceed 9.0m in length exclusive of hitch or tongue.
• The cost of a license for the use of an RV or trailer for temporary habitation on any land not covered in any of the exceptions is $500 per year if registration with the Municipal Office is completed on or before April 1. If completed after April 1, the cost is $700.
• The license allows for temporary habitation from April 1 to November 30. Occupying a trailer commencing December 1 to March 31 is not permitted.
• The license also permits one accessory structure for storage (like a portable garage), not exceeding 8 sqm/86 sqft in area as well as a deck not exceeding 10 sqm / 108 sqft in area and not being more than 60 cm/2 ft above grade.
• The fine for failing to obtain a license is $300 in addition to the cost of having to obtain the license. Other fines are described in Schedule “C” of the by-law for things such as constructing unauthorized structures, improper disposal of greywater or sewage and more and can be up to $500.

 Traffic Bylaw Amendment (Brennan Lane and Church Street)

In response to public safety concerns along the narrow Brennan Lane and the newly configured Church Street, the following changes have been implemented:

• The yield sign at the intersection of Brennan Lane and Barber Street in the North direction is to be replaced with a stop sign.
• The section of Brennan Lane to the North of Church Street is to be designated as a one-way in the north direction toward Barber Street.
• A stop sign at the intersection of Church Street and Brennan Lane in the west direction is to be added.
• The rate of speed for Brennan Lane is to be 30 km/h.
• From Haig Street starting from the intersection of Mead and Haig to the intersection of Brennan Lane and Talbot as well as the entirety of Church Street and Brennan Lane is to be designated as a “Community Safety Zone”.
• The above changes come into effect as soon as the new signage has been installed.

Council Decision Highlights:

• Approval of refreshed agreement between the Town and the Espanola Golf and Country Club for the use and maintenance of the Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts.
• Approval of Splash Pad project proposal, location and estimated budget.
• Approval of Tennis and Pickle Ball Court update project proposal, location and estimated budget.
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment Approval to rezone 321 Secord Street to permit a proposed automotive detailing facility and accessory residential dwelling unit.
• Approval of recognition of September 30^th, 2021 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• Approval of proclamation of September 2021 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
• Approval of continued undertaking of the creation and maintenance of the Outdoor Ice Oval by the Lions Club.
• Approval of proclamation of November 25^th, 2021 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Reminders:

Winter Parking

• Under Section 6 of Bylaw No. 2030/07, Restricted Parking is in effect from November 1st until March 31st.
• During winter months, no person shall park a vehicle on any highway or roadway under the jurisdiction of the municipality between the hours of 2:00am and 7:00am, with the exception of physicians on emergency calls and operators of authorized vehicles.

The Policy and Planning Quarterly is prepared by Joseph Burke, Town Clerk and Manager of Planning Services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 705-869-1540.