THUNDER BAY - The addition of a medical clinic in the municipality of Neebing took one more step closer to becoming a reality, despite opposition from members of the local farming community.
“We are really at a crossroads right now in terms of trying to grow the community,” said Neebing mayor, Erwin Butikofer. “For us to put the brakes on every possible initiative that comes along, it sends a message out there that Neebing is not open for business. We are trying to put the information out here that yes, we are open for business.”
During a special committee of the whole meeting held in Neebing Wednesday evening, committee members voted in favour of recommending an amendment to a zoning bi-law and the official plan to allow for the construction of a medical clinic on 18-acres of land on the corner of Highway 61 and Boundary Drive.
Local property owner, Joseph Zawada, who brought the application forward, said the clinic will include doctors, physiotherapy services, dentistry services, a pharamacy, and x-rays.
“Many older people have difficulty driving long distances, especially in winter,” he said. “This clinic will provide people with a sense of safety and security.”
A public meeting was held in March where opinion on the proposed clinic was divided. It was much the same on Wednesday, with three people speaking before the committee in favour of the clinic, while seven spoke out against it.
“The clinic would be a huge importance to us,” one resident who is in favour of the clinic said. “I am disappointed with the few farmers who are opposed because they will definitely use it.”
Another residence said a little less hay production does not outweigh the importance of health care.
But those who spoke out against the plan before the committee said they are not opposed to the addition of a health clinic in the municipality, but rather the chosen location.
The concerns expressed include increased traffic volumes on Boundary Drive, as well as cutting up land that is zone for agriculture.
“This is the highest rating land there is and I think we should try to keep it together as much as possible,” one resident said.
“Please, look around our huge township,” another resident said. “There are alternative locations. The farmers will be happier, the clinic will be happier. We do need a clinic but please don’t put it on farmland in the middle of a farming community.”
Butikofer said he understands the concerns expressed by people in the community and recognizes that farming is a big issue for many people.
“We have seven farms in Neebing that contribute hugely to the province and to the municipality,” he said. “So for Neebing council to be arguing against them, it’s a hard sell to convince the farming community that the medical clinic is a benefit even if it is on land they consider so valuable.”
In terms of increased traffic, Butikofer said patrols can be added to the area by the Ontario Provincial Police to enforce speed limits on Boundary Drive and Highway 61.
“For Neebing, it’s a matter of creating a catalyst for future growth,” Butikofer said. “Right now Neebing as a community is 98 per cent residential tax base, very little commercial, and this will be the addition we hope people will decide to move to a rural community, live a rural life, and still have access to health care.”
The recommendation to amend the zoning bi-law and official plan included the addition of a minimum distance calculation to ensure the property is not at risk of being contaminated by animal waste, run-off, or other pollutants.
The vote on the recommendation will take place during the next Neebing council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
