A controversial by-law is going ahead in the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth.

Their new Municipal Planning Strategy and Land-Use By-Law passed second reading at a special council meeting Wednesday morning.

It was 5-2 in favour, with Warden John Cunningham and councillor Loren Cushing voting nay.

On Tuesday night, over 200 people came to a public hearing.

Many voiced concerns that there weren’t enough protections for property owners in the 160-page document.

Items like things you can do to your property, environmental protection zones, storage containers and new private roads were brought forward.

Warden Cunningham says he voted nay because he felt some things were included in the documents that weren’t properly consulted on.

“I speak for District 1, because those are the people that elected me. However, I will support council’s decision, and we will move forward,” said Warden Cunningham after Wednesday’s meeting.

He says the council had differing opinions, and were respectful.

Council did agree that communication with the public needs to improve.

“There has been a lot of consultation, we’ve worked hard to try and get the word out. Some folks decided they didn’t want to participate, but their input at the very beginning is just as important as at the end,” added Cunningham.

He also said it’s a living document, and changes can be made as issues arise.

“The process does work. Some stated that they weren’t notified, but the people that did show up expressed their opinion. Council took all opinions seriously, and decided to move forward.”

Ian Watson, Senior Planner with Upland Planning and Design says it’s tough to come up with something that works for everyone.

“We looked to understand what the area is facing. There was a lot of engagement with this. What are people’s dreams for the future, and what do we want to be as a community? What are the challenges we have now and how can these planning documents address them?’ said Watson.

He added that the documents are regulating how land is used and how buildings are built, and some people feel their land shouldn’t be interfered with.

“Some people want no rules, some wants lots, and some want in between. You’re trying to find that sweet spot where things that make sense are easy to do, and things that need more oversight, there’s a process involved.”

The new MPS and LUB are in effect, along with the previous one, until the province officially approves it.

That could take 2-3 months.

You can watch the vote, and the full meeting below.