CENTRAL MANITOULIN—An anticipated presentation to Central Manitoulin’s Finance and Economic Development Committee by Split Crow, the developers of a proposed 39-lot subdivision to be located on the shores of Lake Mindemoya proved largely anticlimactic, as the proponents had little to add to what was already known.
Committee chair Councillor Brian Mitchell informed those present that, following the presentation by Split Crow, committee members could ask questions, but that no questions would be allowed from members of the public.
The committee consists of Councillors Rose Diebolt, Derek Stephens, Dale Scott and alternate member Mayor Richard Stephens with staff member Jodee Webb in support.
Taking the lead on behalf of the proponent at the presentation was Gord Keatley, of Keatley Surveying in Little Current. Asked how long he would need for the presentation, Mr. Keatley responded ‘only a few minutes’ noting that the presentation would be short.
Mr. Keatley noted that a number of studies required for the development remain to be completed, particularly environmental impacts, as various species’ lifecycles in the proposed subdivision area on Tracey Road take place at different times of the year, while archaeological clearing of the areas of interest by Patrick Julig awaits improvements in the weather.
The surveyor/agent noted that once those reports were completed, there would remain the matter of meeting stipulations set out by the municipality, but that the proponents felt it was time to “get in and have a meeting with Central Manitoulin.”
Mr. Keatley noted that concluded the presentation and that it was more of a “question and answer” session.
Following the presentation, committee members were invited to ask questions of the proponents.
Central Manitoulin Mayor Richard Stephens noted that municipal staff had prepared a draft set of conditions and that the meeting was just the preliminary step and that as time goes forward everybody must have their concerns respected and looked after.
A short discussion was held on the history of subdivisions in the community, noting it has been a number of years since a subdivision has been created in the municipality.
Asked for a list of environmental studies and whether one would be a study of the groundwater and when they would be completed. The list was extensive, including vegetation, water quality, and septic beds but the proponents did confirm that the list does include a hydrological study, going on to note that the study has been completed and is already submitted.
Other questions centred on the extent of the development, access points and whether back lots would be created in the future.
Mr. Keatley noted that expansion on the one side would not be likely as that property abuts an existing campground on the one side, while on the west side the drop to the shoreline becomes very significant. As for backlots, the surveyor noted that the cost and hit and miss nature of drilling water wells without striking gas or poor water could easily exceed the cost of the property and be prohibitive and “highly unlikely.”
Asked if the development was at a standstill, Mr. Keatley noted that they had only just received the draft conditions and would have to analyze what would be needed to meet those conditions.
A stage three archaeological assessment also remains to be completed.
Councillor Scott inquired as to whether the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising had expressed their concerns on the development. It was noted that Chief Morgan Hare of M’Chigeeng First Nation (MFN) has submitted a letter to the Manitoulin Planning Board.
Although the text of that letter was not presented to the committee, The Expositor has obtained a copy of the referenced letter. In that letter, Chief Hare indicates concerns the First Nation has given the magnitude of the project. “We find it very concerning that MFN was not notified nor was Billings Township, nor were Central Manitoulin residents and other lakefront property owners. As a neighbouring First Nation, this should have come to our attention as soon as possible so we can work together on finding a solution to ensure the residents and neighbouring communities were heard and their major concerns dealt with in a timely manner.”
The letter goes on to cite several concerns, including the impact on water quality, loss of agricultural land and “further decline in the fishery.” The chief asserts in his letter that adding nutrient loads to the ecosystem has not been addressed.
Chief Hare cautioned the Manitoulin Planning Board (MPB) that MFN has a flood claim submitted to the Government of Canada and another claim pending with the province. He also noted that the 1990 Manitoulin Agreement has not been implemented and therefore clouds the jurisdiction of both the municipality and the MPB over permitting access across any road allowance or shore road allowance “especially for this type of development.”
In concluding his letter, Chief Hare advised the MPB that MFN does not approve of the project or offer its consent to either the municipality or MPB to issue any permits that would allow the project to proceed. “MFN will be consulting our law firm to ensure that our rights are protected. This project may jeopardize the good faith dialogue between the Crown and First Nations to ensure the settlement of the 1990 agreement is completed.”
A public meeting between Split Crow representatives and members of the public was scheduled to take place in the Central Manitoulin council chambers on Monday, March 24.
