A significant residential project is in the works for Muskoka Highlands golf course that will see up to 500 residential properties added and the golf course cut down to 12 holes.
During the most recent Bracebridge Planning and Development Committee meeting, councillors approved an application that would allow for the development for a 500-unit land lease on the property.
The planner explained to the committee that the property had originally been slated for residential development in the late 80s. However, the state of residential property values at the time led to a decision to construct a golf course. Now the owner would like to reduce the size of the golf course to 12 holes and carry on with the plan to build the residential properties.
Neighbours expressed concerns in writing over potential environmental impacts and traffic concerns but none attended the meeting in person.
The applicant envisions a land lease residential community comprising between 450 to 500 units, designed to be serviced by municipal piped water and sanitary sewers. This proposed development is expected to utilize approximately 35% of the re-designated land, while the remaining area will retain its current use as a golf course.
Spanning 59 hectares, the subject lands feature about 787.9 meters of combined frontage along South Monck Drive and Muskoka Road 118 West.
Staff has indicated that several additional planning approvals will be needed for the proposed residential community. These include an amendment to the District of Muskoka Official Plan, a zoning amendment, and site plan approval. Any necessary measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts resulting from the development will be managed through these planning processes, says staff.
The application was approved by the committee but must still be ratified by council during their meeting tomorrow.
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The fact that no-one turned up to the meeting to voice their concerns is a good indication that nimbys wrote in to complain or folks aren’t that concerned. Personally I think this housing is very much required. Muskoka’s population will continue to grow, in-town living is important but extremely short supply. AND…. It’s a golf course which are renowned for being disasters for the environment.
It makes you wonder what motivates councillors to change the rules to turn green Muskoka into barren Mississauga.
We already know what motivates developers.
We definitely need housing. We need it reduce pricing and to keep it obtainable. There’s no such thing as affordable anymore.
However I say 75% housing of no more than 1,000-1,200 sq. ft on a full basement. The other 25% can be whatever the developer wants to build. Also there should no be cash in place of a playground..
Developers change the rules so it suits them. The Town goes along with the marching orders they receive from the special interests. Who does Mayor Maloney represent? Who does the Planning Department work for? Residents and taxpayers?
The nonsense that this was slated for residential development in the 1980s has no bearing to the 2020s. The world has changed but perhaps Bracebridge politicians and Planning department are still stuck in the 1980s?
To make matters worse the Town gave away its ace cards by giving approval to the land lease in advance of the official plan and zoning application. Great negotiating strategy but we all know this is never a real negotiation
Once again developers ignore the rules. And once again councillors will blindly approve whatever developers want. Why even have a planning department?
“These include an amendment to the District of Muskoka Official Plan, a zoning amendment, and site plan approval.”
Just like this project ignores the rules.
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/bracebridge-residential-project-hits-a-wall-of-opposition/#comment-76694