A petition has been started with the hope of convincing Lakeshore not to allow new greenhouse development.
The Municipality invited the public to an open house Thursday evening in Comber to gather public input on a plan that if approved, would help bring in new greenhouses to support the region's agribusiness. However, a group of residents do not want the idea to move forward unless a list of concerns is addressed by the Municipality.
Jill Miner, the petition's originator, told WindsorNewsToday.ca that councillors must take into account negative issues that seem to accompany the greenhouse industry.
"Air pollution, excessive odours, restricted water supply, and a shortage of sewage capacity," said Miner. "Currently in Comber, there is no more sewage capacity for the building of any new homes or businesses."
Miner said she understands that due to the Ontario government's announced commitment to the local agribusiness industry, Lakeshore may have no choice but to sign off on new development. So, the objective is to make sure regulations are in place to protect the environment.
The Municipality's bylaw on greenhouses is due to expire in March 2023, so councillors will soon vote on whether to renew it. Part of the process leading to the decision is gauging public input through a survey and Thursday's open house.
Miner said should the Municipality sign off on greenhouses, there would be no going back.
"It's going to change dynamics of where people want to live, want to build, want to buy," said Miner. "They do have a section near Belle River that they're not going to let greenhouses go into because they feel that's where the development and expansion for homes will be."
The petition, on Change.org, has generated over a thousand signatures as of Friday afternoon.
Lakeshore Council will receive a report in October on the public feedback on greenhouses.
---with files from Adelle Loiselle
