The discussion about approving a two-year extension for the Inveraray Highlands subdivision, which is located off Santa’s Village Rd., morphed into a broad discussion about slow-moving developers.
In her report for the June 4 General Committee meeting, Cheryl Kelley, director of planning and development, recommended committee approves the extension and allows her to have delegated authority to provide comments on further extension, so long as the developer is “continuing to make progress in the development process.”
The second part of the motion concerned Coun. Don Smith.
He put forward an amendment asking for delegated authority to be removed. Smith said similar requests are “constantly” coming back to committee and suggested it should be on council, not staff, to approve the extension. He added this isn’t a slight against staff, but he pointed out that council should make the decisions on matters like this since they’re the policy makers.
Smith clarified he’s happy with the progress being made by Evertrust Development Inc. on the Inveraray project. “That’s fine,” he continued. “But I think we need to start drawing a clear line.” He suggested this would be a message to all developers, not just Evertrust.
Kelley pointed out the Town of Bracebridge is considered a “commenting agency” while the District of Muskoka has final approval over subdivision-related matters.
“I don’t know if the impact to the developer is going to be as big as you think,” she said.
Kelley added the process isn’t done “willy nilly.”
She detailed how some projects – especially when it comes to subdivisions – can move slowly. Kelley outlined how it could take up to a year just to get the necessary studies done. Once building the homes starts, she said a developer may start a handful over a 12-month period, but it’s highly unlikely all of them will be finished in the same timeframe.
Kelley pointed to the Mattamy subdivision as an example of the process. It was given draft approval in 1989 and nearly 300 homes have been built since. She added some developers move through the process quickly, while others take longer depending on “how motivated they are.”
Mayor Rick Maloney agreed with Smith’s point, however, he said he’s uncomfortable to move forward without a broader policy in place.
“I’m unsure about what that means in terms of our effort, as we’ve talked about, as a council, not just this council but the council before, to expedite the development process,” he shared. “To not get bogged down in the red tape of the development process.”
Kelley pointed out if a developer is denied by the district, they would have to resubmit their plans anyway.
The vote for Smith’s amendment was tied at four, which means it was defeated. The main motion, including Kelley’s delegated authority, was approved with only Smith and Coun. Debbie Vernon voting against it.
Kelley said the Inveraray project is on the third of seven phases with 219 homes expected to be built once finished.
