Committee
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Planning
& Development Committee Report
Our Projects
Planning and Development Committee Report for 2009
Co-chairs:
Barry Morrison and Brian Simpson
Committee
Members: Peter Cory and Marnie Wraith
The
Planning and Development Committee focused its efforts this year on the
review of Township’s 2006 Development Permit By-Law. It was created to
replace previous zoning, variance and site-plan controls on waterfront
residential development, in order to preserve and re-establish a
natural buffer along the shoreline (defined as 66 feet from the water's
edge), to retain the character of each lake, and contribute positively
to water quality, biodiversity, and watershed health.
The review of this planning tool has simplified, clarified and added
new provisions to the by-law. Some of the proposed amendments include:
- changing the sequence of building development
- allowing boat houses to extend a maximum of 50 feet from shore and docks a maximum of 66 feet;
- restricting maximum lot coverage by all built structures (including docks) to 10 per cent of the property’s size;
- forbidding second-story habitations in boathouses and limiting their size
- limiting the number of “activity areas” permitted on the shoreline
The 2006 by-law used “lake capacity” to determine the density of
development on waterfront lots. Now the deciding factor will be the
lake's health. Lakes rated as 'highly sensitive,' where phosphorous
levels are high, will require a water quality testing report as part of
a development application.
Go to www.loba.ca to find links to all the proposed amendments.
This summer the township will do follow-up inspections of development
permits issued in 2006-07, to see whether developments given two years
to re-establish a natural shoreline have met the requirement. This is
essential information for determining whether the by-law is working.
At the District level, Muskoka has developed an action plan as part of
its Official Plan’s Economic Strategy. It supports economic development
that incorporates principles of sustainability within a natural
setting, protects scenic beauty and promotes environmental quality.
Policy based on the plan’s directions should further reduce the impact
of human activity on Muskoka's natural environment.
The district is also examining the economic impact of fractional
ownership resorts, to determine whether they are a commercial land use,
or really co-operative cottage establishments and therefore
residential. If they are the latter, we believe residential density
should apply, which would mean fewer units would be permitted.
We encourage you to check out the new Muskoka Web Map on the district’s
site www.maps.muskoka.on.ca It clearly shows topographic
features, property lines, roads, utilities and structures found
throughout Muskoka.
If you are interested the planning and development issues facing Lake of Bays, please consider joining our committee.
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