ST. PAUL - Despite a split vote, changes to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) were approved following a public hearing in Town of St. Paul council chambers on Nov. 13.
According to Town administration, a review of a handful of portions of the LUB began in the summer of 2023, following direction from council. On Sept. 21, as recommended by council, administration was asked to engage the business community regarding the proposed changes, according to background information provided during the Nov. 13 public hearing.
“As a result, local businesses and the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce members were invited to submit comments regarding the proposed text changes specifically listed in Schedule C: Alcohol Retail & Drinking Establishments regulations and Schedule D: Cannabis store regulations,” according to information from the Town of St. Paul. “No opposition was received to these two schedules as it was drafted at that time.”
Schedule C and Schedule D were discussed during the public hearing. Changes in the LUB include a larger separation distance between alcohol and cannabis establishments. The old bylaw states the establishments had to be at least 100 metres apart, and now that distance has increased to 200 metres.
The distance from parks, such as the Lions Park on main street, is also included in this increased separation.
Speaking in opposition to the changes during the public hearing was Arvinder Kamboj. He noted that increasing the distance between establishments to 200 metres would make it difficult to open a new business in town, specifically a liquor store.
He asked council to consider keeping the 100 metre distance. As someone who is trying to open a business and could not do it at the first location chosen due to the nearby Lions Park, there are very few other spaces available to open a liquor store in town, he said.
Darryl Poirier, a longtime real estate agent in St. Paul, also spoke in opposition of the proposed changes, asking council how many current liquor stores in town would meet the new requirement. In response Mayor Maureen Miller clarified that current liquor stores will be grandfathered and will not have to meet the new distance.
She also noted that the Town has been “called to task,” as it works to battle issues, such as addiction, in the community. When the Town approaches the provincial government for help dealing with these issues, it needs to demonstrate that something is being done locally to help.
Poirier noted that he believes the bylaw restricts future businesses from coming to St. Paul. He noted that the change sets a precedent and could be used for other types of businesses, such as fast-food restaurants, for example.
“No other community has these rules,” stated Poirier, adding, that as a long-time business owner, he does not believe St. Paul has a good reputation for welcoming new business.
During discussions, it was clarified that the new distance is specific to alcohol and cannabis retail locations, and not establishments that serve alcohol, such as restaurants.
After the public hearing, discussions among councillors took place.
Speaking to Schedule C and D, Coun. Gary Ward spoke against the increased 200-metre distance, noting that as a previous business owner, he believes competition is necessary for success, and when competition is missing, then people shop elsewhere. If there are more liquor stores open in St. Paul than what demand requires, then some will simply close, he said.
Other changes
Other changes made to the LUB include changes to Schedule E: Supportive Living regulations. In October, information on the changes was provided to the Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre Society since the society is working on a supportive living facility rezoning application.
“The Society replied back stating they were agreeable to the regulations on October 10," according to information from the Town of St. Paul.
Changes in the LUB include a “New section for supportive living regulations and the addition of a public open house in advance of filing a rezoning application for this particular use,” according to information from the Town of St. Paul.
In the summary of changes, it also states that Schedule A was amended, which speaks to the separation distances between minimum yard setback for decks and enclosed decks. Schedule B was also reviewed in regard to decks and enclosed decks and the implementation of privacy walls when building close to a shared property line.
“New provisions [will] allow a deck or enclosed deck to be constructed closer to the front yard and/or rear yard property line,” according to information from the Town of St. Paul. As per the changes, decks can now encroach two metres in the setback, but a privacy screen is required if the deck encroaches on the setback. Also, if a deck is two metres high or more and within 1.5 metres, then a privacy screen is also required.
Changes to the Controlled Urban Development (CUD) portion of the LUB also now adds “Industrial Uses, Light & Industrial Uses, Medium as a discretionary use.”
Second and third readings
The motion for second reading of the amended LUB was made by Coun. Sid Sood. The motion was carried with Coun. Ron Boisvert and Coun. Ward voting against the motion.
A motion for third reading was then made by Coun. Normal Noel. Once again, the motion was carried, with Ward and Boisvert voting against the motion.