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The Township of West Lincoln is providing an update regarding recent decisions of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) related to the property located at 9127 Regional Road 20, in the Fulton area.

Background

On February 10, 2025, Council considered an application by Mr. Pomerantz to extend the temporary outdoor storage of rain barrels on the property. Council did not support the application and instead voted to support a four-month extension in order to remove the rain barrels from the property and return to original use.

Council based its decision on the following:

  • Concerns of environmental risks associated with the storage of barrels
  • Concerns that the barrels were intended for long-term storage on the property
  • Resident feedback raised at the public meeting, including fire safety, stormwater run-off and potential impacts on surrounding agricultural lands
  • Issues related to compliance with the approved site plan
  • Potential impacts on future uses of the Fulton expansion lands

On February 14, 2025, an appeal was submitted by Mr. Pomerantz of Council’s decision and Zoning By-law No. 2025-04. The appeal sought to extend this temporary use.

On March 11, 2025, Mr. Pomerantz also appealed the Township’s Interim Control By-Law No. 2025-05, which temporarily suspends new land use planning changes while the Township undertakes an employment study to guide the long-term future of the area.

The two-day hearing of this matter was heard in June and the Township’s legal counsel and planner defended Council’s decision.

Decision

On July 30, 2025, the OLT heard and understood the Township's concerns, however issued the following decision:

  • The Tribunal allowed for the temporary storage of barrels to continue for three years, until February 10, 2028. New barrels may be stored on-site during this time, but the total area for storage is not permitted to increase.
  • The Tribunal dismissed the appeal of the Interim Control By-law, allowing the Township to continue its employment study and planning review without new applications to alter the land use or designation.

West Lincoln vigorously defended against this appeal and while Council is extremely disappointed that the Tribunal imposed an extended temporary use, it is deferential to Provincial law in that the OLT has authority to overrule Council’s decision in this manner.

Council remains committed to ensuring that the long-term planning vision for this corridor reflects the needs and interests of the community.

Visit OLT Appeals to find more information, including the delivered OLT decision.

For more information

Planning inquiries: planning@westlincoln.ca

Legal & Legislative inquiries: jdyson@westlincoln.ca