A proposal to build nearly 200 new residential units in north Bracebridge met with a wave of opposition during yesterday’s planning and development committee meeting.
After an outpouring of opposition from neighbourhood residents, Bracebridge’s councillors decided to defer a decision that would have paved the way for a new residential development on Douglas Drive.
The Hall Development Group has submitted applications for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the construction of 32 three-storey buildings, totaling 199 dwelling units with a proposed condominium tenure.
According to the developer, all proposed buildings will adhere to a three-storey height limit. Nevertheless, submitted building elevations indicate that at least one side of the stacked townhouses may reach four storeys. The Zoning By-law Amendment application includes a request for a height increase, likely accommodating buildings that exceed four storeys, as noted in a report from town staff.
In addition to the height consideration, the developer has provided several supporting reports, including a traffic study, an environmental impact assessment, and a hydrological evaluation. However, town staff have advised deferring approval pending further information and public input.
The response from local residents has been overwhelming, with many voicing their opposition to the proposal during recent public meetings. Concerns have ranged widely, with a predominant focus on environmental issues and the potential loss of mature trees.
“Clear-cutting the 40-60 year old red and white pine tree stands that border our properties is unconscionable,” stated neighborhood resident Jim Wouters. “These trees are the soul of our community. We consider that 199 units in three and four-storey buildings erected on a treeless lot approved by Council would be a moral breach of trust.”
Another prevalent concern among residents is the potential loss of the area’s character. “I hope that the elected council members take a good hard look at how the Toronto-style buildings will change the landscape of Bracebridge,” remarked local resident Nancy Perreault. “Once they start building these types of housing complexes, it won’t stop, and the allure of Muskoka will be diminished. Tourists will seek solitude, natural beauty, and peace elsewhere.”
In light of these concerns, the town council acknowledged the need for more information before granting approval. However, Mayor Rick Maloney emphasized that while he has concerns, additional housing is necessary in the region, and the province has specifically requested a focus on high-density solutions.
As discussions continue, the future of the proposed development remains uncertain, with residents keenly watching how their voices will influence the decision-making process.
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Developers know height, zoning, parking, setbacks and many other rules will be changed to suit whatever they want.
Instead of changing their development to suit the rules.
Happens all the time.
Almost every time.
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/muskoka-lake-township-moving-forward-with-comprehensive-zoning-by-law/#comment-73777
Why even have a planning department?
Developers know height, zoning, parking, setbacks and many other rules will be changed to suit whatever they want.
Instead of changing their development to suit the rules.
Much better to ask for forgiveness/an amendment than ask permission.
Why even have a planning department when developers do all the planning?
Might as well save some taxpayer dollars and close the planning department.
Might as well save some taxpayer dollars and eliminate councillors as well.
It’s not like they represent residents at all.
Just developers.
They just blindly approve whatever developers want to do.
Skip that step and save us some bucks.
Councillors will approve any development that doesn’t follow the rules, even when it means turning green Muskoka into barren Mississauga.
This article fails to mention that the proposed development of 32 three to four story high buildings, totally 199 dwellings will be built on less than 7 acres of land with no room for green space, children’s playgrounds, walking paths or parking spaces big enough for a truck to be parked in. But the most shocking thing is that Hall Development Group feels that the approval is already in the bag and public hearing and input is just a formality! We attended the information session on July 23rd where we were told and I quote “Your Council will support and agree with you, the community and I will take it to the Ontario Land Tribunal, pay the costs and your Councillors will back down and I’ll eventually get what I want. This is what happened with the other two developments I’m working on in Bracebridge”. This comment and attitude of the Developer indicates that the Council decisions can be overridden with money. This is a direct threat to the open and honest democratic process.
We are not opposed to a development in our backyard but we need a development that works harmoniously with nature, not against it. The temporary housing shortage does not justify permanent damage to Muskoka’s oasis for harmonious living with nature.
The Bracebridge Official Plan is a disaster. Council held the official meeting during the ice storm emergency and refused to hold another one. What are they hiding? Triplexes on every lot, House behind house allowed, rooming houses in every house, 10 storey buildings. Environmental safeguards abandoned. Major tax increase to pay for the servicing. Maloney should stop shilling for the province and special interests and get a back bone. Bracebridge is not a suburb of Toronto . Don’t let Council get away with this plan that caters to special interests.
If developers would build 1,000 square foot homes and sell them for $300,000 to $320,000 that would go a long way to alleviating the housing crisis. Do people trying to buy a first home or downsizing really need a 1600 square foot home? We must remember however that in Bracebridge for $384,000 you can have a gazebo in a park.