By John Francis,
Bruce Peninsula Press
Tobermory’s largest boat tour operators, Blue Heron Cruises and Bruce Anchor Cruises are both proposing to build large new parking lots. Blue Heron’s is on the south side of Hay Bay Road, Bruce Anchor’s is on the north side. Both parking lots involve land that was purchased years ago for the express purpose of providing more parking.
The current process would not permit the companies to begin construction. It would simply align municipal zoning of the properties to permit their use for parking. As such, it would remove one impediment among many. In both cases, a Site Plan Control Agreement would need to be satisfied before any construction could begin and Site Plan Control would require that the proponents satisfy many conditions, not least of which would be reaching an agreement with Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
At the July 12 MNBP Council Meeting, Councillor Megan Myles moved to defer making a decision on both properties. She stated that there were too many outstanding issues that needed to be resolved. Her motions were seconded by Deputy Mayor Debbie Myles. Both were defeated by a 3-2 margin, with Councillors Smokey Golden and Jamie Mielhausen and Mayor Milt McIver voting against.
A Motion to move forward was passed by the same 3-2 margin. Included in that motion was the phrase “that further consultation with Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) be completed prior to the passage of the zoning amendment by-law”.
The final bylaw amendments come up for passage at Council’s July 26 Meeting, which will be held as this newspaper is being printed. A Clerk’s Report in the Agenda for the meeting states: “On Tuesday, July 19, 2021, a meeting was held to further discuss the two proposed parking lots with representatives from SON, Bruce County Planning and Development, Municipal staff and SON Technical Consultants. From that meeting, SON has requested the approval of this project be put on hold until an archeological and ecological assessment completed on this proposal”. The July 26 Agenda also includes 7 letters opposing the parking lots.
It appears likely the Bylaws will be deferred.
Municipal Accommodation Tax
Council’s July 26 Agenda also includes a CAO Report on the implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax. The Report recommends that MNBP hold a Public Meeting at the August 23 Council Meeting, pass the Bylaw at the Sept 23 Council Meeting and implement the tax Jan 1, 2022.
