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Zoning change approved for chiropractor's office

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Delhi’s only chiropractor will move her practice to a home on Church Street East despite the objection of a downtown property owner.

Dr. Martine Croy of Paris maintains an office at 152 Imperial Street. She wants something more residential to help manage her professional responsibilities along with her growing family.

“I feel Delhi has sufficient population for me to base my primary operations here and have no plans on moving my clinic any time in the near or distant future,” Croy said in a note to Norfolk’s planning staff. “In fact, this property would allow me to continue building my patient base and services here within the community instead of finding property in Simcoe, Tillsonburg or Port Dover. As the only chiropractor in Delhi, I would like to continue to provide services here for the long term.”

Croy’s application was heard at the July 9 meeting of Norfolk council. It was contentious because Croy needed a zoning change to allow for a medical office in a residential area.

The home at 22 Church Street East is separated from the commercial core in Delhi by a single house. The southwest corner of the property abuts the commercial zone.

In an email to Norfolk council, Mike Rose suggested Croy should relocate her practice to the Delhi Community Health Centre. It is about to undergo a $1-million expansion, Rose said, adding that filling it should be a county priority. Rose said re-designating residential properties for commercial purposes puts commercial property owners like himself in a bad spot.

“This is not acceptable, and I’m sure there will be some future discussions of interest from commercial building owners in Norfolk County if these types of adjustments are approved,” Rose said. “This letter is not intended to hinder the future expansion of businesses within Norfolk County but only to help improve what currently exists. The commercial taxpayers need to be re-assured that their properties sell first prior to buildings being considered for zoning changes in Norfolk County.”

Croy counters that she canvassed downtown Delhi for a suitable alternative but could not find the right combination of professional and domestic space to satisfy her needs as a chiropractor and mother to a growing family.

“We have looked extensively at other properties,” Croy said. “A home-based property is more appropriate for us. There was no other property that was appropriate.”

Council approved the zoning change without debate.

“If you can’t find anything in the commercial core, how much closer can you get for your clientele that has to walk?” said Simcoe Coun. Charlie Luke. “I don’t see this being too disruptive to the neighbourhood.”

Delhi Coun. Mike Columbus praised Croy for clearing her proposal with her new neighbours on Church Street East before coming to council. Though the home is in a residential area, Columbus said it remains centrally located. Waterford Coun. Harold Sonnenberg added that Croy appears to have a worthwhile game plan.

“It’s good to see someone who is putting a priority on raising a family,” he said.

Monte Sonnenberg

519-426-3528 ext. 150

monte.sonnenberg@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/montereformer

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