South Bruce Council has deferred making a decision for one month on if a 100 acre farm can be divided into two 50 acre properties.
An old-order Mennonite family wants to split the property into two but neighbours and council members have some concerns.
The land in the area is not best suited for farming. It’s estimated that only about 45 of the 100 acres in question is workable.
Neighbouring property owners, along with Councillor Les Nichols are concerned that a wood shop on the property will be used for non-farm industrial purposes.
There will be no septic systems on the property, but good old fashioned outhouses instead.
Councillor Jason Rogers is concerned about the environmental impact that could have.
Nichols says because the property is located near swamp land, the groundwater levels are high, and that could be a hazard with outhouses.
Meeting as the Planning Advisory Committee, Council chose to defer the decision for a month so meetings can take place between planning staff, council, and property owners.
Mayor Bill Goetz says he doesn’t like asking council to vote on something where there are still questions about it.
He doesn’t feel clear answers could be given to the questions raised.
Goetz says when 50 acre farm severances come up for discussion, concerns surrounding them tend to “come out of the woodwork.”