Muskoka Regional Centre Lands
There has been lots of misinformation circulating Gravenhurst on the proposed development at the Muskoka Regional Centre.
First things first, Council has not been provided a formal proposal to consider. Like residents, Council members were given a brief look at the initial plan.
There has been no closed door meetings on the subject and no approvals or endorsements of the project have been made.
Reports to the contrary or of my support for the project are untrue.
Like many of you I also feel the shoreline development, density, and the lake bed structures are far too ambitious and have expressed these concerns to the proponent.
As for the process to date I understand there are two intake streams for MZOs: Provincial Priority and Municipally-Supported. The latter requires a Council Resolution or letter of endorsement from the Mayor; in such cases, the municipality is often the proponent or has at least been heavily involved in the process. A Provincial Priority MZO does not require municipal endorsement, but the submission requirements are otherwise the same, including rationale for how the proposal meets Provincial objectives and why it merits an exemption from the municipal review process. An MZO does not exempt the proponent from technical due diligence or downstream approvals administered by the municipality like site plan approval (except in very special cases), building permits, or coordination on servicing, if applicable.
The Town has been involved, since way back in 2010 the Town requested the province to come up with a process that would see the property developed, the Town did not choose the current proponent. While the process has been unfolding the Town has been operating as if this is a municipally supported MZO. I have heard directly from the proponent and the proponent’s planner that they do require a resolution of support in order for the sale to proceed. While Mayor I have not been asked nor would I provide a letter of endorsement for the project in its current form. Some municipalities request MZOs to speed things up that is not the case here.
To be clear I believe it is in the Towns best interest to see the land developed, but the first incarnation is not the right fit without drastic reduction in shoreline development, density and waterbed structures. I will continue to listen to your feedback and ensure your voices are heard, consultation with the Town and all residents is key to a positive
outcome.
I believe flatly rejecting an unseen plan is irresponsible. It sends a message to all investors that Gravenhurst is closed for business, that Gravenhurst is not prepared to work towards a successful, sustainable development on a jewel of a property that has been vacant for far too long.
The Town needs a strong experienced leader to navigate the next steps, strong relationships built on respect will be crucial. Someone you can trust to leave the decision with all of Council. A leader who has refused to use Strong Mayor powers, a Mayor who is committed to responsible, sustainable growth that we can all be proud of.
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