Huntsville concludes South Portage Road Park not suitable for commercial use
Huntsville General Committee concluded that South Portage Road Park is not suitable for commercial use, in the January 29, 2025, meeting.
According to the staff report, in 2018 Council expressed concern about commercial use in the park and directed staff to investigate ways to restrict usage there.
The following August, staff recommended an amendment to the By-law to formally restrict commercial use at the park, including the dock and launching facility, which was approved by General Committee.
July 2023, staff were directed by Council to review the By-law for “light commercial use” and report back.
In today’s meeting staff expressed concerns about the potential risks from allowing commercial usage and recommended leaving the By-law at the “status quo.”
They explained that their findings indicated “there’s not enough site line for having trucks and barges.”
According to their report, “With a combined swimming and boat launch location, increased commercial usage would create safety hazards.”
It added that there are other areas more suitable for commercial use, allowing for safe boat loading on Lake of Bays “without the added safety hazards.”
Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, agreed with the recommendation, indicating “it was a dangerous situation…kids swimming, barges coming in disturbing the ground.”
Councillor, Monty Clouthier, concurred, indicating that he worked there commercially “and it’s not a location for commercial work.”
Committee concluded that the amendment to the By-law will remain as is.
