From the Muskoka Lakes Association:
The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) urges Gravenhurst Council and the Ontario government not to approve the massive development as proposed by Cliff Bay Muskoka Corp., part of the KS Group of Companies, in Cliff Bay, Lake Muskoka.
The plans include thirty-three villas and two restaurants in the lake, up to ten six-storey buildings, three hotels, almost 1,400 units and 80 boat slips as well as minimal proposed setbacks, public parkland or protection for existing trees.
This will endanger water quality, the environment and fundamentally alter the character of the South Muskoka area, says MLA president Ken Pearce.
“Visitors come to Muskoka to experience the beauty, clean air and waters and quiet. This proposal will destroy the ‘view from the canoe’ and enjoyment of the lake,” says Pearce. “The Province should require resort development that is in keeping with the character of Muskoka. We support responsible development, not overdevelopment.”
The MLA also seeks guarantees that the promised permanent, full-time local jobs are created by tying the job-creating elements (hotels and restaurants) to the development’s phases.
In letters to provincial and municipal leaders, the MLA has expressed strong opposition to the developer’s proposed draft Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO), which also has the effect of bypassing local planning rules.
“The development should be scaled back to conform more closely to the Town of Gravenhurst’s Official Plan policies for Urban Resorts and the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as well as the District of Muskoka’s Resorts Policies,” says Pearce.
The MLA says concerned citizens can make their views known by sending a letter to leaders and signing the petition at change.org. More details on the proposed development are available at MLA.on.ca and SavetheBay.ca. The developer’s proposal can be found at Cliff Bay.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox six times per week!
Click here to support local news
You need to look no further than the traffic jams on muskoka road and Bethune Drive..EVERY Sunday this summer to realize this area is over saturated and needs no further huge developments ..We used to endure traffic back ups on long weekends only but thus year it’s EVERY weekend what does that tell ya ..it’s like stuffing a five pound baloney in a three pount bag ..as far as bad ideas go this is pretty much number one ..
Hmm I have heard a lot of talk in town about ‘deals’ people don’t think it is above board, shall we say and leave it at that.
The destruction of Muskoka continues. This project should conform to the Gravenhurst Official Plan and Zoning By law, Cottages do not belong in the water. This proposal wouldn’t even fly in Toronto or Brampton. The whole land deal and the alleged seeking of a Ministerial Zoning Order has a certain odour about it. Lobbyists and special interests appear to have undue influence at the province and our local municipalities..
The Bracebridge draft Official Plan is another disaster. Triplexes on every lot. House behind house allowed, rooming houses in every house, 10 storey buildings. Council had the only official meeting on it during the ice storm emergency. They refuse to hold another one. Why?
Save our Muskoka before it’s too late.
SAY NO TO CLIFF BAY PROJECT. What will it take for Muskpoka population to realize this is a detriment to our shoreline, wild life trees , air qualaty and much more.. Do not wait until you experience regret saying to yourself I should have been involved is saying NO..
Remember the Developer said if there is enough displeasure the developer said it will be a NO GO…