Changes have been made to the “The Starboard” development and the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, but town council believes more discussion is needed before they vote to allow the project to move forward.
Stefan Szczerbak, senior planner with Planscape Inc., which represents The Rosseau Group, presented council with the second revision of the proposal for the development during the June 25 Planning Council meeting.
He said it directly addresses concerns from the Feb. 2023 public meeting.
The proposal calls for a seven-storey mixed-used condominium to be built on Cherokee Ln. at the Muskoka Wharf.
Szczerbak explained the height of the main building will be reduced by eight metres and the boathouse will be lowered as well with a reduction to the angle and extent it projects out into the water by 26 metres, adding it won’t extend any further than the existing nearby steamship docks. The change also reduces the number of boat slips from 55 to 31.
The dockside restaurant is no longer a part of the proposal and Szczerbak said it also oddresses the parking concern with allocated spots dropping from 233 to 58 thanks to the change.
He called what’s been done since the original proposal was put forward “substantial.”
“This project and the proposed plan are so technically complicated and in discussing these issues the town, I feel, has lost sight of the basics, including safe boating and overcrowding in an already congested bay, the impact on the wharf and its immediate property owners, environment issues and liability considerations,” said Wendy Rome with the Muskoka Bay Property Owners Association (MBPOA)
She was one of seven delegations during the meeting.
Rome told council while the staff report mentions strong public support, she has heard the opposite. Between the MBPOA and the Muskoka Lakes Association, she said they represent hundreds of people who are against the proposal. Also, she referenced a petition that had close to 1,600 signatures not for the project.
“This project does not protect or enhance the environment or character of the town,” she said.
Coun. Peter M. Johnson put forward a motion to defer the passing of a by-law and changing Gravenhurst’s official plan to allow the project to move forward. Council agreed and it will be brought up again during the town’s Aug. 29 Planning Council meeting.
“I think that doing that sends a very strong message to our constituents that not only do we listen to them but we’re prepared to act so we get a better outcome in the end,” said Johnston.
