Gravenhurst staff recommend council defer campground application proposal
Gravenhurst staff recommended that Council defer the development application proposal for Finest Kind Enterprises campground, on Kilworthy Road, in the May 23, 2023, Planning meeting.
According to the report, the application requested an amendment to the Special Provision to the Commercial Recreation Zone to allow up to 80 campsites with bunkies on them, four 4 season cottages, a swimming pool, a reduction to the minimum interior, exterior and front yard setback from the standard 15 metres to 5 metres, and to reduce the minimum rear yard setback from the standard 15 metres to 9 metres.
Members of the public expressed concerns, such as campers trespassing on neighbouring residential properties, lack of experience or supervision with campfires, excessive number of camp sites, existing traffic congestion on Kilworthy Road, boat congestion, overpopulated public beach, pool impacts on the lake and fish habitat.
Resident, Jennifer Donley, said, “People don’t know what their doing regarding fires,” and expressed concern about the hundreds of people on the campground that increases a risk for injuries, which can have an impact on the Town’s emergency service resources.
Donley, added that the large number campers on the site poses traffic risks on the road. She said, “There’s a right sharp turn on Kilworthy that visitors won’t be aware of… Emergency vehicles can’t get through there.” She suggested the Town require a traffic impact study that reflects the busy time of year to be more reflective of the situation.
President of the Sparrow Lake Association, Bob Corbett, expressed concern about the congestion, including people, boats at the public launch, and the RV trailers that will be at the back of the grounds, indicating it’s a problem “to jam 6 to 7 times more than what used to be there.”
Corvit added, that the applicants “are asking Council to not go by the rules and to accommodate them.” He said it should be the other way around, the applicant should be abiding by the rules.
Councillor, Penny Varney, inquired about whether the close proximity of the cabins was in line with the fire By-law, and concurred about another traffic study being done because of the dangers due to the congestion on Sparrow Lake.
Councillor, Erin Strength expressed concerns about the lake being “part of a sensitive waterway” requiring interaction with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Manager of Planning Services, Adam Ager, advised, “The shoreline area is provincially significant wetland,” requiring adherence to the Environmental Impact Study.
Councillor, Jo Morphy, inquired about how campers will follow no daytime burning protocols when they prepare their meals and have fire pits to do so.
Director, Melissa Halford, advised that the campgrounds will likely be the same as other campgrounds preparing meals with barbecues, Coleman stoves, and restaurants.
Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, advised, “The By-law will be considered at a future meeting.” She said the Town is waiting for a peer review. “We’re not deciding – not making a decision today.”
