The Township of Muskoka Lakes has now released a second draft of the Official Plan for public review and comment, and it is available on the Official Plan Review website
In terms of our campaign to defeat the Lippa Quarry application, and protect our lakes from other similar applications in the future, the two main concerns with respect to the draft OP have been resolved. First, the policy that requires new quarries to be sited more than 2 kilometres from the Waterfront designation has been reinstated and strengthened, with the new policy applying to all quarry operations, not just rock crushing. Second, David Pink, the Director of Development Services and Environmental Sustainability, has given his assurance to the SLCO that the policy from the current OP requiring new quarries to be sited "in close proximity to a provincial highway" will be reinstated in the next iteration of the draft OP.
These are very significant victories in terms of our long-term goals, so thank you to everyone who has been working to bring about these positive outcomes. Special thanks to the Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization, and to Councillor Gordon Roberts, for highlighting these issues at the public TML meetings.
The TML has released a survey consisting of questions about the content of the draft Official Plan, but there was not a single question that dealt with issues related to the aggregate industry. However, due to public pressure, some space has been added to the end of the survey to allow for comments on policies that have not been addressed by the original questions. Please use this opportunity to state your concerns about any policy issues, especially those involving the aggregate industry: Draft 2 Official Plan Survey
The Township of Muskoka Lakes will also be holding two Virtual Open Houses for the public to learn about the Draft Official Plan on Thursday, October 28 at 3:00pm and Friday, October 29 at 10:00am. This will provide an opportunity to ask questions, and to voice concerns. Due to the virtual format, registration is required in advance. RSVP at this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/190590821277
We are now at a critical stage in the Official Plan Review process. Thanks again to everyone who has been working to protect our lakes and their watersheds from serious threats posed by the aggregate industry.
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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