The Chair requested staff to advise on the manner of giving notice for the proposed Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments. He also asked staff to briefly describe the proposal and summarize the correspondence, if any, received to date.
Ms. Rea confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 500m, and a sign was posted on the subject property. She summarized the application, explaining that it proposes to permit camping, recreational vehicle/trailer sites and camping cabins on the site together with accessory structures (comfort stations, washrooms, boat launch, and parking) and to protect the wetlands, floodplain and watercourses on the site while allowing for trails and structures such as docks, boardwalks and footbridges. The application conforms to the Growth Plan and is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. Ms. Rea summarized the comments received to date, as detailed in her report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report additional comments were received from Community Services with no concerns. Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff to address any issues raised through the public consultation process and for further review and processing until such time that all comments have been received from all circulated agencies and City departments, and that any comments and concerns have been addressed. She responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Beverly Saunders and Harry Stoddart respectively spoke to the application as the applicant and spokesperson of the property owner. They noted the specific proposals for the two phases to the development, stating that they would like to complete the first phase in time for major events being held in Fall 2020. They stated that an open house was held, and primarily positive feedback was heard, however they heard concerns about traffic, and have submitted a Traffic Impact Study. They also stated that staff from Kawartha Conservation visited the site, and would be providing written comments in the near future. They responded to questions from committee members.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Kyle Vandenburg spoke on behalf of Riverside Cemetery, which owns the land and island across the Scugog River. He stated that the close proximity might encourage campers to cross the river an access the cemetery. He also noted that their main concern is that noise from the campground might disrupt internments, and questioned how noise might be monitored.
Ken Nesbitt, of 9 Ridgewood Road, stated that he was not opposed to the application, however he wanted to express concerns regarding noise during fairground events, traffic along Highway 7 and Angeline Street during events, off-site street side parking during events, and waste management capacity for the excess garbage produced on the grounds.
Lloyd McEwan, property owner of the adjacent 368 Angeline Street, stated that he came today to seek more information on the application. He expressed concerns about potential for reduced property values, sufficient water and sewer capacity, and access concerns between his property and the fairgrounds. Overall he stated that he wants to see tourism assets developed, and requested to be kept informed of the application.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The Chair permitted the applicant and the owner's representative to respond to the concerns brought forward. They stated that turn lanes have been installed into the grounds, and that natural vegetation will act as a natural noise barrier. They stated that sewer and water lines have been run to the property, and that there is sufficient capacity. Recently, 200 parking spots were added to reduce the need for off-site parking, and that garbage issues will be dealt with the site plan approval process. In conclusion they stated that this proposal is good for the businesses in the area, and they are only seeking an incremental change to what is already permitted on the property.