‘We had a lot to consider:’ Gravenhurst mayor comments on Starboard settlement

Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz says the town didn’t have “a strong enough planning position” to defend its decision to reject the Rosseau Development Corporation’s (RDC) Starboard project at the Muskoka Wharf. 

“Planning decisions need to be made for planning reasons and to be successful you need a strong policy basis to lean on and we didn’t think that was possible with this file,” she says. Lorenz adds the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) process is costly and town staff wasn’t confident it would be successful. 

A settlement with RDC was announced on Tuesday. 

Pending approval by OLT during a Jan. 24 meeting and other appeals, it allows the project to move forward. 

Scott Lucas, chief administrative officer, points out when the project was denied in Aug. 2023, it went against staff’s recommendation to approve the project.  

“I think there was some degree of excitement about the proposal,” he adds. 

The project could see a mixed-use development built off of Cherokee Lane near the Muskoka Wharf. The proposal from RDC includes a condominium, commercial space, two boathouses, and various outdoor amenities like a boardwalk.  

“As much there has been community pushback against the proposal, I think there also has been a good degree of support,” continues Lucas.