BIBLE HILL, N.S.
An attempt by a Bible Hill dog trainer to change a land-use bylaw that would enable her to operate a kennel has been rejected by Colchester County Council.
“We want to have a look at this land use bylaw as it relates to a number of issues that were raised,” said Mayor Christine Blair, following the recent council session.
Yan Mowat, owner of Little Moe’s K9 Academy on Jennifer Drive had requested an amendment to the land use bylaw to permit an expansion of her operation from a training academy to a commercial boarding kennel.
Little Moe's is permitted to operate a training facility but under the county’s municipal sewer-serviced area bylaw, she is not permitted to operate it as a kennel.
However, Blair said that when Mowat appeared before the municipality’s Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), she acknowledged that between 25 to 35 dogs had been housed at the facility on a day-to-day basis.
As well, both the PAC and the Village of Bible Hill Commission recommended against amending the bylaw as proposed.
“The Village of Bible Hill considers that the establishment of kennels in an urban area will have a negative effect on both residential and commercial property owners,” Chairwoman Lois MacCormick said, in a letter to the PAC.
“We concur with the statement ‘that commercial boarding kennels can produce land use impacts that infringe on one’s quiet enjoyment of one’s property.’”
Adam Harris, a lawyer with the New Glasgow law firm Mac Mac &Mac, who was hired by Mowat to represent her before council, submitted more than 50 letters of support for the operation from previous clients.
He also provided written support from seven neighbouring businesses.
Mowat first attempted to receive approval for a bylaw change and expansion to her facility in 2013.
In a presentation to council at that time, she said the additional space she was requesting would enable her to offer services that her clients were asking for, including grooming and “limited” overnight stays.
“Being able to make these enhancements would give Colchester County the largest indoor K9 facility east of Ontario,” Mowat’s presentation states. “In combination with my personal expertise and my network within the canine community I would turn this facility into a world-class academy and venue for events. This will benefit the entire area and the benefits would extend beyond the canine community.”
Mowat could not immediately be reached for comment.
Blair said Mowat now has the option of appealing council’s decision to the Utility and Review Board and that the municipality will also review its land use bylaw to see if amendments are possible.
“Whatever the situation is we’re going to have a good look at it in all fairness and see whether or not changes are needed,” the mayor said.
She also emphasized that council’s decision was not based on how Mowat operates her business.
“This in no way implies that this is not a quality establishment,” Blair said. “That it does provide good training, there’s no question. Ms. Mowat is one of the best trainers around with dogs. There is no question that the facility is spotlessly clean and well-kept and well cared for.”
