UPDATED: You can read Huntsville Deputy Mayor Dan Armour’s response HERE
This is an open letter to Huntsville Council.
Recently I read in the Doppler Online that this council has approved a survey titled “significant views” which is somehow tied to high density growth for Huntsville. This survey is absurd for many reasons as follows:
- Huntsville is a critical component of Muskoka and a doorway to the majestic destination of Algonquin Park. Just because the Federal Liberals have created an immigration, housing, healthcare disaster, and they push to create high density housing, it does not mean we need to continue this reckless and dangerous management in isolation. Muskoka is a gem for all and MUST be preserved. We do not want to look like the squaller created in Barrie.
- Where is the official plan in this process. I have argued that this Council has no idea what Huntsville should be recognized as of now and for the future. This has to be platform that residents must rally around not just these last-minute reckless endeavours or isolated requests.
- You address new development but have never once addressed the look for Huntsville. Towns like Oakville, Collingwood, Stratford and many others have done a magnificent job in creating a look and presence supporting the Towns visions. Huntsville has not!
- How can residents respond to an isolated survey without knowing what the “high density” plan is? I must assume this council has no plan.
- Many do not trust that this Council has any ability to lead and as an example you approved the condo on Brunel that is absolutely disastrous planning. There are many other issues tied to this development which have demonstrate the downward spiral for Huntsville.
- It is “RUMOURED” that you have approved the development of a condo beside Boston Pizza taking this water access away from residents to give to developers. This makes me conclude that your “significant views” survey is nothing more than a shame to appease residents.
- How can you look at high density from a “significant views” prospective in isolation of ensuring we have infrastructure, healthcare, education, recreation and support programs in place, which we do not now. Look at the mess with our hospital strategy.
- While we need to have logical and planned development it does not mean that we have to destroy all green spaces such as you previously approved for developments such like the Summit.
This council does appear to have the leadership nor the ability to provide an integrated plan detailing the future for Huntsville. You jump from one pet issue to another like the “Pride Crosswalk” or the “washrooms for waterfront” yet you cannot develop a vision for Huntsville. Council needs to have a residents group that provides real time guidance and helps protect the integrity of the Town. We thought that is what we voted for but it is now apparent we do not have that.
For the future of Muskoka and Huntsville you really need to readdress your planning and priorities. We are running out of time before we become known as the “armpit of Muskoka”.
We love the area but not the direction you currently have demonstrated.
Regards,
Paul Johnston
Huntsville
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The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Not being an expert on the legal situation of the property near Boston Pizza, you may catch me out on some details of this but I would point out that some years back, when Mr. Doughty was developing this property a fairly large mud and debris “slip” occurred which filled the river with a mess of old logs and mud.
This was unforeseen and Mr. Doughty remediated it all as well as could be done but no major building was placed on this area since.
I would expect that building a “rumored” condo on or near this property might be a very bad idea unless the foundation is well and truly inspected and approved by a reputable geological engineer.
This whole area used to be a swamp. I’m not that old an I remember this. My father used to tell me that it was full of cat tails and muskrats when he went to high school. This is partly the cause of the infamous “beer lake” that forms in the area.
All indications are that this is a poor area to build in. I’d suggest piles need to be driven to support any major building in this area but this is just me. Council can proceed how they like at their own risk.
The Real Person!
The Real Person!
One only needs to look at the summer traffic on the highway to see we are no longer a destination but instead a waypoint to vacation destinations further north.
Huntsville has lost its charm, main Street has become a trinket market and everywhere you look it’s townhouses and condos.
Poor planning.