TJ Stables is looking to expand its business and is asking Chatham-Kent Council to approve plans for a new assembly area, a retail sales area, a campground, and a farmers’ market.
A report going to council Monday night is recommending that a parcel of land at 837 Gregory Drive East near Prince Albert Road just North of Chatham be rezoned to allow those uses. The uses being proposed will allow an event venue to hold festivals and weddings, retail services such as food trucks, a farmers’ market, and overnight camping.
Owner Terry Jenkins hopes to hold more weddings with a new tented venue.
"We already have so many requests to do weddings, but we weren't zoned for it. So, now we can potentially do more weddings. Of course, we have our horse drawn carriage that we do on-site. We can make an enchanting wedding for many, many people," said Jenkins.
Jenkins said there are no new buildings going up at the site.
She also hopes the new services will attract more tourism to the area.
"I thrive on new ideas and trying new things and the community and the public have always enjoyed what we offered here and we want to offer more and better experiences," she said.
Jenkins said expanding the business will help them generate more revenue after a rough pandemic, which they're still recovering from.
Manager of Development and Planning Services Anthony Jas said the proposal is not anticipated to have any significant impact on the existing agricultural land uses surrounding the property.
"In sum, the application is intended to increase the business potential for TJ Stables while preserving its primary use as an equine facility," said Jas, who authored the report going before council. "Agriculture in this context typically consists of more traditional and value-added type uses, which support the type of agricultural production that dominates Chatham-Kent’s rural landscape. However, smaller-scale agricultural activities also contribute positively to this economic sector through the provision of services related to recreation, education, and preservation of agricultural traditions."
TJ Stables is a local horse facility that has operated at that location for 38 years offering horse back riding lessons and tours, summer camps, and an Indigenous cultural experience that includes overnight stays in a bunkie or traditional tipi.
The site is mainly comprised of a large woodlot, pasture areas, and a dog kennel service.
The site is also home to the Canadian Cowgirls Elite Rodeo Style Drill Team and is known across Southwestern Ontario as a leading Equine Assisted Learning Facility with an “Acceptional Rider” Therapeutic Riding Program.