Is the property your cherished home is built on now zoned Natural Constraint 1? That’s right Wetland.
This is now the case of many properties within the Municipality of the Town of Huntsville.
In 2023 the Town enacted the Community Planning Permit bylaw. At the same time they updated their precinct ( zoning ) from Mapping provided by the District of Muskoka. This new mapping has many flaws and has increased the Wetland Designation well beyond so called Wetand and their natural features. The new mapping can not be justified by air photos, or natural features.
In 2019 the Town of Huntsville implemented policies that requires setbacks to development from wetlands, with a 30 m buffer as a standard. Proposed development that do not comply with the new policy would be considered with an ESI or a Biologist Report supporting a reduction of the 30 m buffer, of course at the expense of the property owner.
The District Manager of Mapping , was unable to justify the extended/ expanded limits of the Wetland Mapping and not willing to address the inaccuracy of the mapping provided by his office or their Consultant. The Disrist Chair, would not take any responsibility for the Mapping provided by District Staff, but replied, that the problem should be taken up with the local planning department.
The Town of Huntsville’s Planning department seems to be caught in the middle and are dealing with these issues as they arise. The answer I hear from everyone is that the Wetland Mapping is a General mapping, to be used as a guide. That would be great if it was reasonably accurate. One wouldn’t expect 100% accuracy but when the Natural Constraint 1 (Wetland designation) extends 300 ft beyond the actual Wetland there is something drastically wrong with the system.
When you have to deal with both the new Wetland Boundaries and the 30 M buffer it becomes extremely difficult to have any further development on many properties.
If you own property near a stream, creek, drainage ditch, pond, low lying area, puddle of water you need to be concerned. One area I found interesting, were the properties on the south side of Ripple Lane. Most of these properties the Wetland Boundaries have been extended almost to the road allowance.
Both the new mapping and CPP Bylaw are making it difficult for Rural Development and Affordable Housing.
You can check your properties zoning and air photos with Town’s Planning Department or the Town’s mapping system, tohm .
Property owners need to address these issues by contacting their perspective Councilors and get chages made that support Rural Development.
Take up the challenge, defend your property. As one person said, We don’t own our property we just pay taxes on it.
George W Hines
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How do I get more information about this ?
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Deb, if you need more info call me at 705 571-4874 or email at [email protected]