A proposal to build a horse stable on a property in Linwood doesn’t sit well with those who live nearby.
Ervin Albrecht owns a home on Ament Line in the small community northwest of Waterloo.
He’s applied to Wellesley Township for a zoning change that would allow him to build the stable as an addition to his garage.
Horse-and-buggy is the primary means of transportation for Albrecht and his brother, who also lives in the home.
Eight people showed up at a township council meeting last week to oppose the zone change and stable.
Among them was Daniel Brubacher, who lives next door to Albrecht.
He tells CTV News Albrecht has been a “good neighbour”, but he has concerns about the effect the stable could have on neighbouring real estate.
“(I’m) not sure how that will affect the value of properties in the area, especially thinking of my own personal property,” he says.
Other neighbours expressed concerns about odours from the stable and how manure would be dealt with.
Township planner Geoff VanderBaaren says some municipalities, including neighbouring Wilmot Township, allow horses in built-up areas without a zoning amendment, but others do not – including Wellesley’s eastern neighbour, Woolwich Township.
No such exemptions have ever been approved in Wellesley.
Brubacher says he also wants to ensure that proper regulations are followed in the building of the stable and the handling of manure at the site.
“I would definitely be opposed if it’s just something randomly thrown up and not even regulated,” he says.
Township planners are expected to present a report on the issue to councillors in September.
Ervin Albrecht did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
