MLCA’s position regarding Planning Act applications

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 04:04:14 GMT

MULDREW LAKES COTTAGERS' ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 659

Gravenhurst, Ontario

P1P 1T9

www.muldrewlakes.ca

Dear MLCA Member,

This letter is to inform you of the MLCA’s position regarding Planning Act applications.

As a separate attachment you will find the Citizens Guide to Land Use Planning and the

Muldrew Specific by-laws in the Gravenhurst Official Plan.

The objective of the MLCA is to “Serve the Muldrew Lakes community as a whole.” And

“act in an advocacy roll with various levels of government, agencies or other appropriate

bodies to safeguard the interests of association members”.

In furtherance of these objectives, when agency comments are requested by the Town

of Gravenhurst (TOG) on any Planning Act application, the MLCA will encourage

adherence to the Gravenhurst Official Plan (GOP) and Zoning By-laws whenever

possible, recognizing that the TOG can and will entertain severances, minor variances,

as well as amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-laws on a case by case

basis. The TOG looks at each application on their own merits. No two applications are

the same and there is no precedent setting by any approval or denial of an application.

The MLCA will be consistent with how we communicate with the applicants and the

TOG. The MLCA’s position is captured in the following statement

“The MLCA believes that all Planning Act applications on the Muldrew Lakes

should conform to the relevant policies of the Gravenhurst Official Plan (GOP)

and comply with all relevant provisions of the Gravenhurst Comprehensive

Zoning By-law. We do, however, acknowledge that there may be circumstances

where amendments are necessary and, in these cases, conforming to the intent

and purpose of the GOP policies is integral to preserving the ecological integrity

and well-being of the lake community."

The following is from the Muldrew Lake specific portion of the GOP and is important

when considering any applications for zoning by-law applications.

D17.3.1 The special character of the Muldrew Lakes (North, South and Middle) as a

series of long, relatively narrow channels are recognized. This contributes to a natural

visual appearance when looking down the lakes, with a shoreline predominated by trees

and natural vegetation and modest sized cottages with very few boathouses. The

unique qualities of the Muldrew Lakes, environmental health, and water quality of the

lakes is to be maintained and enhanced, while allowing for modest development and

reasonable redevelopment, in keeping with the character of the lake.

If you have any questions regarding this process the Planning Department in

Gravenhurst is more than happy to spend the time with you. If you have a question or

comment for the MLCA Board of Directors please send an email to

president@muldrewlakes.ca and we will do our best to answer your question.

Sincerely,

Tim Luke

MLCA President

president@muldrewlakes.ca

Muldrew Specific By-Laws in GOP.pdf

Citizens Guide to Land Use Planning.pdf

Muldrew Lakes Cottagers' Association Zoning Applications to the Town of Gravenhurst

MLCA’s position regarding Planning Act applications