Arnprior Council has considered there should be reasonable limits to grandfathered encroachments in the community.
At its municipal meeting of March 25th, elected representatives rejected a proposed special by-law for 73 Carss Street- a property at the dead-end intersection with McGonigal Street at the Madawaska River.
The Property owner had sought to normalize existing infringements onto Town lands in the form of dwelling encroachment (0.83 metres), deck and stairs encroachment (2.99 metres)- as well as a proposed new shed associated with the residence and a concrete pad unilaterally poured for that purpose.
Chief Administrative Officer Robin Paquette says the earlier alterations pre-date municipal protocols for properties of this ilk.
The CAO says the newer concrete pad contravenes municipal building code requirements.
Paquette indicates the property abuts Town lands that may be considered for a future Madawaska River watermain crossing.
The CAO says only eighteen inches of the slab are actually on the owner’s private property.
The matter began innocently enough when in July of 2023, the applicant enquired with the Town with respect to requirements for building permits for a new shed.
Staff recommended that Council adopt a by-law permitting and recognizing the existing dwelling and deck/step encroachments only, requiring the concrete pad to be removed at the owner’s expense.
Council was of one mind in rejecting the homeowner’s pad construction.
If the existing anomalies require any alteration, the Town believes these should be adjusted downwards in favour of closer compliance in the future.
By Rick Stow