The Township of Muskoka Lakes will hold a Special Planning Committee Meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., to review two major planning applications related to the proposed redevelopment of lands within the Resort Village of Minett, including the iconic Cleveland’s House Resort, Wallace Bay Marina, and The Rock Golf Course.
Members of the public are invited to attend in person at the Township Council Chambers (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling) or participate online via Zoom (meeting details available here).
The applications under review — Official Plan Amendment (OPA-64) and Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA-22/23) — have been submitted by 2666940 Ontario Inc. and 2665556 Ontario Inc.. The proposed changes represent Phase 1 of a much larger, long-term development vision for the area. The scope and details of future phases have not yet been disclosed.
OPA-64 seeks to enable the development of accommodations and recreational amenities within sensitive environmental areas, including an identified wetland, floodplain, and near the shoreline of Lake Rosseau — a move that is expected to spark public discussion and environmental concerns.
According to planning documents submitted to the Township, Phase 1 of the redevelopment includes a mix of luxury accommodations, recreational facilities, and infrastructure upgrades. Key highlights include:
- Wellness Centre: A large indoor facility housing sport courts (tennis, squash, padel), a gym, spa, yoga studio, exhibition rooms, 8 retail spaces, restaurant, food and beverage services, and 5 office units.
- Marina: Plans include a new primary marina building, workshop, and boat storage, with up to 215 boat slips, as previously permitted through OPA-56. Final layout to be confirmed in future phases.
- Outdoor Recreation: A total of 17 sport courts, including 8 tennis, 4 padel tennis, 4 pickleball, and 1 basketball court.
- Tennis Pavilion: A 4,650 sq. ft. facility with café, changing rooms, retail, and a viewing platform.
- Viewing Tower: A 118-foot-high structure, offering panoramic views of the Lake Rosseau area.
- Cabins: 48 cabins ranging from 334 to 6,846 sq. ft., with 10 unique architectural styles proposed.
- Beach Access: One public and one private beach are included in the plans.
- Infrastructure: A new municipal water and wastewater treatment plant, along with water intake, sewage systems, and related infrastructure to be transferred to the District Municipality of Muskoka upon completion.
- Access Points: Five access routes are proposed, including three from Juddhaven Road, one from 1112 Juddhaven Road, and one via water access from Lake Rosseau.
The redevelopment is proposed in proximity to environmentally sensitive areas and comes amid growing public scrutiny over shoreline development, water quality, and wetland protection in the Muskoka region. The inclusion of sports courts and cabins within wetland and floodplain zones is likely to be a focal point of community feedback.
This project also marks a significant transformation of the Cleveland’s House Resort, a historical and cultural touchstone in the area, raising questions about heritage preservation and the character of future development in Minett.
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I have just reviewed, in detail, this proposal for redevelopment of the (former) Cleveland’s House site, on the Township of Muskoka Lakes website. I did not see the architectural image presented here at Doppler in my review. This proposal for lakeshore development at this site is not ‘new’. It began a few decades ago when I still had political influence in the Township. I do not believe in amending an established Official Plan in order to accommodate issues that the established OP denies. This proposal is an example of just that. Such overwhelming, dense redevelopment to enable profit, is simply not appropriate. I would prefer to see a more ‘heritage’ conscious plan in both design of the structures and use of the property.