After more than 20 years in the works, the development around the Georgian Bay Club is nearing the endgame.
On Jan. 30, The Blue Mountains council held a public meeting to consider a zoning bylaw amendment for the proposed Georgian Bay Club Enclave development on the 7th Line. The proposal would see 22 single detached dwellings created on proposed vacant land subdivision.
The rezoning would change the property from the development zone to the residential one zone.
The public meeting generated just one comment from the general public and the gallery in the council chambers was empty for the meeting.
“This development is essentially an extension of the existing Georgian Bay Club community. It’s the last meaningful development land in the Georgian Bay Club holdings,” said Travis Sandberg of Dunn Capital, who presented the proposal to council at the meeting.
Development in the area has been ongoing for the past 20 years. The Georgian Bay Club golf course and clubhouse were built along with the residential developments: the Georgian Bay Estates and the Private Residences at Georgian Bay Club.
Sandberg said the new development would continue to follow the same theme as previous developments on the property: “a high-quality, custom home golf course community.”
Council received a single comment from the public opposing the development. The Niagara Escarpment Commission also indicated concerns about wetlands and woodlands on the property.
Sandberg said the proponents are working to address the NEC concerns. He said the project would include a buffer zone between the development and the existing golf course that would also protect butternut trees on the property. He said the plan is to maintain as many existing trees and vegetation on the property as the engineering will allow.
The development will be serviced by a private cul-de-sac road and easement agreements for shared access and maintenance are being developed.
Members of council had few comments about the proposal. Coun. June Porter asked about snow storage and the reason for a cul-de-sac, which is generally discouraged in town.
Sandberg said town policies discourage public cul-de-sacs, but the road for this development is private. He said all snow removal would be done by private contractors, who would remove snow if it accumulated to a certain point.
Coun. Gail Ardiel said it is gratifying to see a long-term project like the Georgian Bay Club coming to a conclusion.
“I’m happy to see this come to fruition. It’s been many years,” she said.
Council did not make a decision at the public meeting. A full staff report with a recommendation will come to council at a future meeting.
