Port Carling's failed development |
Blasted it and ran out of $$$ |
If a potential developer wants to put in condos, or high density land use in an area of low density residences, for example, the potential business developer first approaches the town council to seek a ruling or variance on original town plans. Once the councillors choose not to allow a developer in, since it often violates the spirit of their town plan, the developer may go to the OMB to protest the decision. This is what happened in Muskoka. The OMB often hears from local cottagers, or developers, who want to defy the town plan and by-laws (July 18, and in Feb.: Red Leaves Development, rezoning issues (2007).
It was with great trepidation that I read about the hearing regarding Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for Bala Woodlands Resort. I can truly imagine the impact of a resort on such a small lake. It is criminal that most OMB hearings (75% according to Wikipedia) rule in favour of developers, in spite of elected planning town councils who have voted otherwise.
Perhaps I fear so much because I have seen the impact of heavy tourist populations on our lake. My enjoyment, my life in cottage country, is diminished by those who do not have an understanding of such a life. Surely the Township of Muskoka Lakes By-laws would apply in such situations?
garbage from our shoreline |
We have had tourists visiting (many who simply rent and care little for those of us who live here) who like to set off firecrackers and fireworks every night that they visit. Two weeks of nightly fireworks has a large impact, not only on us, but on our pets and our wildlife. We moved 400 km to find the peace that comes with a Muskoka evening
We have entertained fishermen (yes – ‘men’) who believe that fishing spittin’ distance off of our dock, the lake is theirs to pollute and exploit, with no regard for the rest of us.
watch out for the rock! |
Asian canoeists, unfamiliar with paddling a canoe, ended up on our shore one afternoon. They had no idea how to paddle, yet had been able to rent a canoe and, out in a brisk wind with which I would not have wrestled, managed not to master the basics of canoeing. So much for the new boating regulations. Rudderless, toothless and pointless.
using the lakeshore for a shooting range |
The two-stroke motors continue to pollute our air and our lake. They dump 25 to 40 percent of their fuel in the lake. The summer brings those noisy Personal Water Craft (PWC) and the bored young folk who like to go around and around our lake ad nauseum. I recall sitting on the shore one day, quietly sipping my coffee and trying to deal with a death in our family. The noise and smell of the machines was awful.
I hope the politicians make the right decisions, based on our needs as residents. They must listen to all stakeholders, but they cannot sell out residents for the almighty tourist dollar. I sit and weep and hope that they do so. Our grandchildren have the right to enjoy this land as much as we have done. Please do not sell out Muskoka.
Ontario Municipal Board Resources
1. OMB hearing for Bala Resort. Bracebridge Examiner. 2007
2. Doug Bryden's remarks regarding the hearings. Township of Muskoka Lakes Ratepayers Association.
3. OMB case #PL050714 Download the ruling from the TMLRA.
4. OMB Members Biographies
5. Selling Muskoka by the Gallon. By Michael Enright
1 comment:
I'm sorry to say the Almighty Dollar rules in Cottage Country and everywhere else for that matter. I hope society wakes up soon!
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