GBA 2020 - Fall Update

www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Fall 2020 GBA and member associations face major challenges to control development pressures Development creep from southern Ontario’s inexorable population growth has already expanded strongly in the southern Georgian Bay area , most notably around the towns of Midland, Penetanguishene, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood and the Blue Mountains. All of these areas are seeing large numbers of major residential development projects. Development around the Collingwood/Blue Mountains region has been so extensive that the entire coastal area from Wasaga Beach through north of Thornbury will soon be largely built up. Next stop: Owen Sound, which is promoting its attractiveness to newcomers. Development creep has also started to encroach on the southern limit of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve near Honey Harbour. Developments like Oak Bay, where a large marina and townhouse development is well underway alongside the existing golf course residential development, and the Macey Bay modular home project (where approvals are still in dispute) are changing this area. The new Port Severn Heights development has been approved for a 375 unit residential and commercial development. Many of the residents will be full-time rather than seasonal. The rest of the Muskoka region is seeing similar growth trends. Next stop: Parry Sound? Development creep is showing up even in coastal cottage communities , despite the built-in protection that water access-only areas enjoy. For instance: ≥ Applications for “bigger is better” seasonal residences and adjacent buildings that do not conform to the rules ≥ Owners who proceed with additional building, shoreline and land use changes without obtaining the necessary approvals ≥ Applications to develop or expand buildings beyond the allowable coverage on undersized islands and smaller lots • Last spring GBA and others asked the Township of Georgian Bay (TGB) to allow more time for a proper consultations process in order to consider proposed amendments that might have weakened the existing rules on such applications. Council granted this request ≥ Docks over sensitive aquatic habitat • High water levels are producing more applications to build docks in now-accessible wetland areas. Recently GBA requested the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to provide greater clarity and better guidelines to municipalities on dealing with floating dock applications in sensitive aquatic habitat areas John Carson, GBA President Development Creep Threatens Georgian Bay Rupert Kindersley, Executive Director Bay Port Marina in Midland has slips for over 700 boats. Brandy’s Cove Yachting Centre in Honey Harbour has applied to expand its operations. GOVERNMENTS By: and