Save Beachwood
Protecting wetlands and opposing high-density development in the West End of Wasaga Beach
Update - December 2023
As the year 2023 draws to a close, we would like to provide an update on the current status of the development application for the property situated between Shore Lane and Beachwood Road.
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According to our latest information, the application remains active with the Town of Wasaga Beach. The town's planning department has issued a list of questions to the developer. To date, based on what we know, the developer has not formally responded to these inquiries nor updated the application.
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As a result, the application remains active, but its processing will not continue until a response is received from the developer. At this point, it is uncertain if or when this response will occur.
Why the area around Beachwood Road needs saving
Beachwood Road and Shore Lane run through residential neighbourhoods in the West End of Wasaga Beach, Ontario, where full time residents and cottagers enjoy the quiet atmosphere of single-family homes and green space nestled along the beaches of Georgian Bay. Residents are concerned that high-density development proposals will forever change the fabric of these neighbourhoods that are part of the historic heritage of Wasaga Beach.
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In 2021, Beachwood Development Inc. submitted an R1-X, R3-X and R4-X re-zoning application to the Town of Wasaga Beach, paving the way for the construction of two 6-storey condo towers on a site west of 74th St between Beachwood Road and Shore Lane that includes NVCA protected wetlands.
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If the Town approves this plan, it would set a precedent for more developer-driven, high-density housing along Beachwood Road, potentially adding thousands of people to an area with virtually no commercial or service infrastructure, and doing so against the recommendations of the Town's current Official Plan to not increase density west of 71th Street.
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It would even set a precedent for high-density potentially anywhere along Shore Lane, and mark the beginning of the destruction of this unique waterfront neighbourhood of cottages and single-family homes - and another piece of historic heritage in Wasaga Beach.
Watch the recording of the Public Meeting
of the Council of Wasaga Beach held on proposed developments on August 19th 2021.
Key Steps to Save Beachwood
We need to make our opposition heard now.
This is what we are asking for, and who needs to take action:
Reject Re-Zoning
Council, Wasaga Beach
We are asking our Mayor and all Councillors of Wasaga Beach to reject the re-zoning application by Beachwood Development Inc. to rezone their property at Beachwood Rd west of 74th Street from its current R1 zoning to R1-X, R3-X and R4-X (File No. Z01/21), and for an amendment to the Official Plan (File No. OPA02/21) that would allow 215 residential units on that property
Protect Wetlands
NVCA (Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority)
We are asking the NVCA to not approve any development that would alter or endanger the Class 1 / Class 2 protected wetlands located on the proposed development site, and have the developer restore the site to its condition prior to the illegal draining and filling of existing wetlands that was performed by the developer without a permit.
Involve the Community
Nina Bifolchi, Mayor of Wasaga Beach
We are asking the Mayor of Wasaga Beach to engage in an open dialogue with our community, and to develop an urban planning vision for the West End of Wasaga Beach prior to the Council accepting any one-off high-density rezoning applications in the area. We are not opposed to development - but we want our Town and not developers to drive urban planning based on public consultation, and we want our community to be heard.
Develop responsibly
Beachwood Development Inc.
We are asking Beachwood Development Inc. and Tony Romanin, owner of the proposed site and a resident of our community, to withdraw their rezoning application and to change their plans for the proposed site to develop within the existing R1 zoning, respecting the boundaries of the wetlands. Mr. Romanin would have a great opportunity to develop residential homes and add to the community while still generating a profitable return on his investment.
Show your support
Make your voice heard by sending a personal letter or email to Council, our Town Planner and the NVCA!
You!
Why we oppose high-density development along Beachwood and Shore Lane
We support responsible residential development in this area. However, the active development proposal calls for a high-density development. We have good reasons to reject this proposal - and here is why.
Lack of Supporting Infrastructure
Beachwood is on the fringes of Wasaga Beach, far away from businesses and services. The area is already suffering from inadequate drainage and frequent flooding. The area is not equipped to handle hundreds or even thousands of new residents.
Destruction of NVCA Protected Wetlands
The proposed development would destroy critical wetlands under Class 1 / Class 2 protection of the NVCA, which help to prevent flooding of existing residences in the neighbourhood and are critical to ensure water quality in Georgian Bay.
No to Developer-Driven Urban Planning
The Town's Official Plan specifically discourages medium- or high-density developments in the West End west of 71th Street. High-density should be considered in downtown Wasaga Beach to build our core and support growth of existing and new businesses nearby. High-density at the edges of town does not benefit our community.
Find out more about the proposed development and its consequences for Beachwood.