She also said it wouldn't be a good thing if the zoning changes resulted in a big increase in basement apartments, reasoning it wouldn't be healthy to have many families essentially living underground in a community where we have so many dark months.
"These changes without a plan can potentially deter the quality of life of citizens in the community," Foran added.
In that way, Murphy Foran underlined the need for expanded public consultation before a decision is made on whether to entertain changes to Elliot Lake's Zoning Bylaw.
The province passed a Bill in 2019 mandating that all Ontario municipalities entertain changes to their local zoning regulations which would allow for more intensive housing planning.
"I see this as a positive because nobody will be able to go forward without following the correct regulations," said Coun. Sandy Finamore.
Coun. Norman Mann added, "I think that along with other gifts from the province, (this is) where we really don't have a choice. I think it becomes an enforcement issue, clearly."
They were discussing proposed changes to the city's Zoning Bylaw to allow for homeowners to subdivide existing homes into multi-residential units.
After a brief discussion, the bylaw changes were deferred for discussion to Council's Aug. 9, 2021 meeting at the request of the planner Sarah Vergeault of J.L. Richards and Associates in Sudbury, and Elliot Lake City Clerk Natalie Bray.