Editor's note: This story has been corrected from a previous version to note Beaver Valley Development Group also owns one of the properties on top of the former Talisman ski resort.
A subdivision proposal for a portion of the former Talisman lands near Kimberley has been given a rough ride by members of the community.
Grey County and the Municipality of Grey Highlands held a joint public virtual meeting about the subdivision proposal on June 12. The public meeting saw near-universal condemnation of the Talisman subdivision proposal from the speakers at the meeting.
More than 50 speakers addressed council during the four-and-a-half hour meeting that was viewed by more than 300 people. Speaker after speaker expressed opposition to the proposal and said it was completely inappropriate for the Beaver Valley. Council heard from just three members of the public who were supportive of development at the Talisman lands.
Members of the public who spoke at the meeting laid out a long list of concerns about the proposal including:
- The scale, size and density of the proposal.
- The impacts on the local environment and wildlife.
- Servicing capacity in Kimberley, particularly the limited capacity of the sewage system.
- The impacts of a large-scale development on health care services.
- Dark skies and the visual impact.
- The increase in traffic such a proposal would entail
- The impact on the local tourism economy.
A number of speakers also expressed worry that the proposed development is just the first domino in what could be multiple developments on the lands of the former Talisman resort.
Beaver Valley Development Group (BVDG) is the owner of the lower portion of the former Talisman lands (former golf course area), which is one of three former resort properties. The former ski lodge buildings are owned by others and there is a separate property on top of the escarpment owned by BVDG, both of which could see development proposals in the future.
BVDG has submitted an application to Grey County for approval of a subdivision plan that would create a number of separate blocks on the property. Approximately 75 per cent of the property would remain open/green space or be used for stormwater management. The other 25 per cent would be set aside for various forms of residential development. Future applications would be forthcoming for the individual blocks should Grey County council approve the block plan.
“There are future processes that will be forthcoming,” said Arthur Grabowski, a planner for BVDG, who made a brief presentation at the meeting.
The meeting opened with a county presentation, a Grey Highlands presentation and a presentation from Beaver Valley Development Group. Following those presentations, public comments began and lasted for more than three hours.
Comments from the public included:
“The application as presented should be rejected by the county. Very few if any jobs will be created by this development. This is clearly a new settlement in the wrong place.” - Stephen Griggs of the Escarpment Corridor Alliance.
“There needs to be a bigger plan for this thing. Right now, I feel like we’re writing a blank cheque to a developer.” - John Willett.
“The cumulative impact is startling. The scale of this proposal is going to place a great burden on our infrastructure.” - former Grey Highlands councillor Cathy Little.
“We see how much there is to lose. The proposed subdivision at Talisman will gut our community.” Stacie Howe, Kimberley business owner.
“This place has been waiting for development for over 20 years. I think it can easily be worked into the community. I can only see a benefit.” - Matthew Webb.
“The people are clearly being heard. Nobody wants this. The majority of your constituents don’t want this.” - Tom Vincent.
“I’m in favour of this development. I think it needs to be done thoughtfully.” - Nick Steele.
“A massive development is the exact opposite of what Beaver Valley is about.” - Lisa Wilson-Duff.
“It is out-of-scale development. Technically, it’s a subdivision. It is, in reality, a town.” - Paul Woolner.
No decision about the subdivision application was made at the meeting.
“There is no timeframe for a decision yet,” said Scott Taylor, director of planning for Grey County.
Grey County council will make the decision on the subdivision application. Grey Highlands council will be a commenting body on the proposal.
“This is the first step in a planning process. There is a lot more to come,” said Grey Highlands Councillor Paul Allen, who chaired the public meeting.
