Dear Editor and community minded property owners,
The Bruce Peninsula Press has provided a great community service by printing the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Council’s minutes so everyone is informed about events happening in the municipality. Thank you.
I am taking this opportunity to share my concerns about our community development.
Numerous times, it has been identified that housing for seasonal workers, working families and seniors is in great need. Each group has its own needs. After reading the advertisements and articles proposing new development on Warner Bay Road and Chi sin tib dek Road it appears to be mostly large homes at large prices.
The proposed Housekeeping By-law that Council may approve soon falls short of addressing the needs of the above groups. Garden suites with only a washroom and no cooking facilities will not service the needs of our seniors or seasonal workers. Also the garden suites can not be rented. Large estate homes will be too expensive for local working families.
With new development, the environment is a great concern. Increased units in existing homes may be the least damaging proposal if water quality and sewage capacity is strictly monitored.
I asked the question at a recent council meeting, “Does the municipality have staff to monitor more building permits?” I did not get a positive answer. Increased garbage capacity is yet another concern since our landfill sites are near capacity. It is expensive to truck garbage elsewhere if possible. Recycled items already get trucked to Mount Forest.
During yet another busy tourist season, Lion’s Head and Tobermory are busy hubs of activity. Is this activity sustainable or is it time to rethink how our beautiful peninsula can be shared, but maintained in an environmentally responsible manner. Tourists are aggravated by driving 4 hours and not finding parking, attractions and accommodations available. Is the Peninsula to capacity with the million plus visitors, should capacity limits be considered to save our air, water and roads from unsatisfied tourists?
Please think about how you would like the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula to look in 10 and 20 years from now. Municipal election is October 24; please vote by telephone or internet. Please run for Council for which the deadline to file is August 19th, 2022.
Karen Phillips
