The Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) is sending the controversial issue of upgrading Sideroad 26/27 to a hearing.
Although not part of an application to amend the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) to allow for the reconstruction, the closure of County Road 91 is at the heart of the matter.
The proposed upgrade would allow for the seasonal road to be used as a year round alternative route, allowing for the closure of a portion of County Road 91.
Walker Aggregates started hauling on the former County Road 91 from the expanded quarry and is now shipping down the improved road, which has been downloaded to the township. It was thought the road closure wouldn’t happen until the upgrades to 26/27 Sideroad and Concession 10 are complete but then the NEC denied Clearview a development permit to reconstruct 26/27 Sideroad from the 10th Concession to Grey Road 31.
On Oct. 29, NEC staff presented a report to the Commission on the application by the township, which proposed site specific policy amendments to the NEP to permit the re-construction of Sideroad 26/27.
At the conclusion of the presentations, the NEC decided that the Sideroad 26/27 application be referred to a hearing, and that it takes no position. This step is set out in the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act where there are objections to a proposed amendment, the Commission is required to refer the matter to a hearing.
It was also recommended that NEC staff attend the hearing to provide information regarding the NEP and will advise the Hearing that the Commission has not taken a position yet. Once the Hearing Officer completes a report, it will be sent to the Commission. The Act requires the Commission review and present a recommendation the Minister, who makes the final decision on all Niagara Escarpment Plan amendments.