The second draft of the TML Official Plan has just been released, and is available here: TML Draft OP - August 6, 2021
In terms of our campaign to stop the Lippa quarry, this new draft of the OP is significantly better than the previous version. Specifically, in Part K: Mineral Aggregate Resource Area -> K4 Application Requirements, pg.84, the following policy has been added:
New mineral aggregate resource operations shall not be permitted within 2 kilometres from the boundaries of the Waterfront Area designation, or within 2 kilometres of an Urban Centre.
This policy gives much more protection to Waterfront Areas, than was given by the policies in the first draft OP, and it is more consistent with the current OP which also includes a 2 kilometre buffer zone.
One area of concern in the second draft OP is the fact that there is no policy that requires new quarries to be sited 'in close proximity to a provincial highway' as is the case with the current OP. By siting quarries close to main highways, it would limit truck traffic on secondary roads, such as Muskoka Road 3, a road that is frequently used by pedestrians and cyclists.
On Thursday, August 12 at approximately 2:00 pm, the Second Draft Official Plan will be discussed during a Planning Committee Meeting. This will be a virtual meeting, and will be available on the TML YouTube channel, where you can watch live, or view the recorded meeting at a later date. I understand that someone representing the Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization, will be making a brief statement as part of the proceedings.
Councillor Gordon Roberts has informed me that the Township will solicit public comments on the Second Draft Official Plan in the not-too-distant future, and that there will be ample opportunities for public input.
Tom
tom.smp@icloud.com
stopmuskokapit.ca
facebook.com/stopmuskokapit
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About Stop Muskoka Pit
We are a group of concerned residents and supporters working together to stop the proposed Lippa Pit and Quarry in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.
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