The Langmaid’s Island Corporation (LIC) application to develop Langmaid’s Island into 32 water residential lots is complex. The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) divided the appeal hearing into 2 phases. Parties to the appeal hearings are LIC, Lake of Bays Association (LOBA), Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF), Town of Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays (TLOB), and Kelly Zytaruk.
Phase 1 focused on whether the island could be developed despite its designation as a Muskoka Heritage Area in the TLOB Official Plan for Langmaid’s Island. The phase 1 hearing occurred over 5 weeks in February/March 2021. In September 2022 the OLT released a decision in favour of LIC’s application to develop the island. OLT called on TLOB to amend its official plan accordingly. The official plan may continue to describe Langmaid’s Island as a heritage area, but it can be developed into
32 residential lots. The approval is contingent on the various mitigations to protect the environment and the existing shoreline.
Phase 2 of the appeal focuses on the plan of subdivision which is under the authority of the District of Muskoka. This review will address individual lot viability, conservation easements, boating safety, and the adequacy of supporting infrastructure such as roads, parking, and waste disposal. A case management meeting on January 24 identified the issues to be addressed and the expected duration of the hearing. The current plan is for the hearing to start on
June 5, 2023 and require up to 7 days.
We are disappointed with the phase 1 decision in favour of the development application. However, it is not over yet. There were a number of ‘wins’ in phase 1. Many concerns will be addressed in phase 2. LBHF and LOBA remain committed as parties to the phase 2 hearing.
