Ritchot’s council gathered around the board table on the evening of September 18 to hear a variety of applications from residents.
An application was submitted by Peter and Heidi Teichroeb for a variation on their property at 495 Heloise Bay in Ste. Agathe in order to construct a 22-by-30-foot detached accessory building. The request was to reduce the minimum distance allowance from ten feet to four feet from the main building on the property, as well as the distance from the property line from one foot to two feet.
The Teichroebs were in attendance to present a copy of signatures received from neighbours in favor of the variance. Council voted unanimously in favor of the application.
Another application was submitted by Orbit Motor Carriers Inc. for a conditional use proposal for a truck wash business to be added to the truck terminal and truck and trailer repair facility at 396 Voyageur Road in Ste. Agathe’s business park.
Council agreed that this type of business would be a good fit for the area since it will be located near Flying J. The request was unanimously accepted.
A subdivision proposal was made by Shaun McMahon regarding his property at 2359 Leblanc Road. The request included separating his 44-acre parcel of land into two-acre lots, but he was willing, if council saw fit, to consider five- or ten-acre lots as well.
While the province and Ritchot council have traditionally denied requests for agricultural land subdivision for the purpose of residential settlement, McMahon countered that his land has not been used for agricultural purposes for many years and is not particularly viable for that purpose since much of it is treed acreage.
As well, four driveways and water and sewer infrastructure already exist on the property. With direct access to Highway 59, McMahon feels the best use of this land would be for large, rural residential lots.
Council agreed to table the request until further discussion can take place at their upcoming planning meeting.
A final subdivision application was received from John McDougall and Sabrina Day to split their lot on Bernat Road in Grande Pointe. Similar requests had been made by the pair in the past and denied due to issues with the shared driveway. Council reviewed the new request and determined that changes to the application were too nominal for reconsideration. The request was denied.
In other news, council agreed to assume the responsibility for infrastructure maintenance in The Grande subdivision in Grande Pointe. This is a policy of council when a development gets to a certain level of occupancy.
Finally, council will provide letters of support for two RM initiatives seeking federal government grants through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. These include the Ste. Agathe dock and boat launch as well as a community clubhouse in Grande Pointe.
Councillor Janine Boulanger indicated that the clubhouse would be a year-round facility and would include a small kitchen and seating for up to 128 people. The building can be built in two phases if full funding will not be provided through the grant. The estimated total cost would come to $363,000.