Growth plan in Joussard needs to be addressed

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Unprecedented growth in Joussard is causing concern among hamlet residents and they want to know what the M.D. of Big Lakes is doing to plan for that growth. A delegation from the Joussard Community Association will be attending the M.D.’s meeting March 14. Before the meeting, they sent a letter to council outlining their concerns. “Joussard has experienced significant change and growth within the past few years,” reads the letter penned by JCA, who complimented council on efforts so far. “However, many in the community feel the planning tools that were developed with substantial input from the community, have not been exercised nor enforced by council, and thus it appears non-complying developments are being allowed to occur as if there were no planning tools in place at all.” As a result, JCA says rezoning applications are considered without regard to the planning documents developed by council for orderly future growth. “Many in the community feel they should not have to complain about non complying developments or proposed rezoning applications that sway from the patterns of growth and development that were identified by the community in the Joussard Municipal Development Plan. . .” Noise was another issue brought forward. “. . .the time is fast approaching for the council to consider some type of noise bylaw that would provide for quiet time after a certain hour and would make dog and cat owners responsible to ensure that their animals are quiet after a certain hour.” The contentious issue of public use by ATVs and snowmobilers is also a concern. JCA tells council that operating these machines on a public road is illegal and that some parents are irresponsibly letting children to operate the machines. “Many soup these up with loud pipes and rip through the hamlet at any given time of the day or night, and the cat and mouse games played on the roads between vehicles and these machines are far too numerous.” As a result, safety has become an issue. “It’s a matter of time before a serious accident occurs.” The future of the harbour and marina is also a big concern. “Although the harbour is not under council control and management, but under the management of the Joussard Harbour Authority, there are concerns that nobody seems to want to address.” “The harbour is currently partially developed, with more work required so that the east side could be used to its maximum potential. Materials for this development were supplied by the Federal Department of Oceans and Fisheries but have never been properly installed. Maximized usage of the harbour is a necessity to facilitate the increased volume in usage.” The delegation is scheduled to appear at 2 p.m. Council meetings are open to the public.

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