Those seeking to sever a lot  for either a surplus dwelling or to create a new lot will still have to do a full water test.

After looking at how other municipalities meet provincial water requirements, staff recommended the County continue to follow Official Plan policy, which requires a hydrogeological study for any new lot creation, but may reduce the requirements for surplus dwellings. Decisions about reducing the scope of the required study, however, are at the discretion of planning staff, which has caused some confusion among applicants.

At Committee of the Whole last week,  where the decision was taken, Kurt Vanclief noted that “the lack of clarity is problematic.” Mr. Vanclief wanted to eliminate ambiguity about who is qualified to conduct a hydrogeological study, and what circumstances would allow for a reduced scope. 

He also argued that applications for surplus farm dwellings should not have to meet the same requirements as new lots. 

Director of Development Services Cristal Laanstra said staff are establishing internal guidelines to maintain consistency over where reduced studies are permitted. New guidelines would not require a policy change. “It’s more operational,” Ms. Laanstra said. 

Council had a lengthy discussion about the water testing requirements. Some councillors were concerned the studies were expensive and added onerous red tape to severing lots.

“We’ve got three levels of government saying we’re in a housing crisis,” said Councillor Brad Nieman. “We can’t say we have a housing crisis and put a bunch of road blocks in front of people.”

Councillor David Harrison asked whether a hydrogeological study was really necessary for existing lots.

“These houses are on the oldest lots of record,” he said. “It’s not new development, it’s some of our oldest development.”

But provincial requirements for water servicing have changed since wells were first dug. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has a guideline for hydrogeological studies, known as D-5-5, which includes proof of a 95 percent recovery rate within 24 hours. 

Every municipality must confirm both water quality and quantity is sufficient according to the Provincial Planning Statement. 

It’s common for municipalities in Ontario, however, to require a full hydrogeological study only for large developments. Otherwise, scoped studies, or pump tests, are usually deemed sufficient. 

Kingston is the only nearby municipality that requires hydrogeological studies for rural severance applications. Such studies are waived in Belleville, Hastings, Napanee, and Quinte West. 

But the County has a very different soil composition from its immediate neighbours, one that makes it more challenging to draw water. 

“It’s harder to find potable water here,” said Policy coordinator Scott Pordham.

Both Kingston and the Niagara Region, with similar bedrock conditions to those in the County, require hydrogeological reports for severances. 

New development in rural parts of the County, where many wells are dry by the end of the summer, raises alarm bells for many residents. 

“Most of the people speaking at this mic are talking about wells and how their properties are impacted,” Ms. Laanstra noted, referring to those residents who attend Council meetings to oppose nearby development.

COTW carried the motion to continue with hydrogeological requirements under the OP, allowing that a clear internal system for assessment is on the way.