Mr. Alexander confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 120 metres, and that a sign was posted on the subject property. They summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to recognize the existing legal non-conforming hotel resort use on site, permit a three-storey addition to the hotel consisting of 41 additional hotel suites, and upgrade the pool enclosure and spa amenity area. To facilitate this commercial development, the applicant proposes to rezone a portion of the subject land from the ‘General Rural (A1) Zone’ to the ‘Recreational Commercial (C3) Zone’. Consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement, and conformity to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Kawartha Lakes Official Plan will be determined upon further review of the application. Mr. Alexander summarized the comments received to date, as detailed in the report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report additional comments were received from R. Ennis, P. O'Reilly, and K. Farr. He summarized the concerns raised including issues relating to:
- Additional uses in the C3 Zone that may be permitted in the future;
- Water quality and quantity for nearby wells and the impact of Eganridge's existing septic system;
- Water runoff from parking lots;
- Potential for traffic increases; and
- Issues relating to construction.
Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff until technical reviews have been completed and all agency comments are received. Mr. Alexander responded to questions from members of the Committee.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Marnie Saunders of D.M. Wills Associates Ltd. spoke as the applicant, and noted that the owners were present and available for any questions that may be raised regarding the operations of the facility. She noted that they agreed with the conclusions of the recommendations of staff report, and provided an overview of the documentation that was supplied to support the application. She noted that studies indicated sufficient well water supply for the expansion, and that an on site sewage system assessment had been conducted. She further stated that no negative impacts were found in the Traffic impact study and that Alderville First Nation had requested to be a part of the ongoing consultation. Overall she concluded by agreeing with the assessments in the report and she responded to questions from the members of the committee.
George Friedmann spoke on behalf of the ownership of Eganridge Inc. and provided an overview of the history of their involvement with the property, and the proposed expansion. He stated that the expansion will allow the hotel to operate more fully year round, by expanding the amenity areas for winter use. He stated that the additional hotel rooms would be laid out in a more efficient way with rooms on both sides of an interior hallway, and that the expansion would not add any additional height to the building. He said the expansion would support local jobs in the community, and attract more corporate use. He responded to questions from the members of the committee.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Joanne Jackson stated the she supported Eganridge and wanted to see it succeed, however raised concerns relating to the following:
- Water levels and effect on neighbouring property's wells;
- Potential for smell from septic system;
- Loss of views to the lake;
- Alternate options for future changes on the property with the C3 zoning;
Paula O'Reilly and Robert Ennis stated that they were not opposed to the rezoning in principle, however raised concerns relating to the following:
- Access and rights of way to and from the property;
- That the C3 zone might also permit camping facilities in the future;
- The potential for using holding provisions to prevent immediate development of some portions of the property;
- Water supply issues for the community;
- Water runoff from parking lots;
- Traffic and excessive speeding following events; and
- Issues related to noise and other construction impacts.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The Chair permitted Ms. Saunders and Mr. Friedmann to respond to the issues raised. Mr. Friedmann noted that while the conference and restaurant facility aren't proposed for expansion, he noted that the additional hotel rooms could keep guest on the property instead of having to drive back and forth to other accommodation options, thereby reducing some traffic. He further noted that the lake views are what brings guests to the area, and he stated that nothing is planned to alter those views. He concluded that at this time there is no further expansion plans for any other parts of the lands being rezoned. Ms. Saunders noted that well water quality and quantity are being monitored to ensure no impact to wells in the area. She noted that construction control measures could be addressed in the site plan process, and that traffic calming options could be brought forward to the City outside of the zoning process.
The Public Meeting concluded at 2:01p.m.