Land Use: Application Guidance
Bylaw Monitoring
Over the past several years, the Fairy Lake Association has worked closely with the Planning Department and Council to ensure that the new Official Plan and Zoning By-laws were designed around the special needs of an urban waterbody such as Fairy Lake. We addressed topics such as the visual impact of a structure, appropriate height of a building on a watercourse, increased setbacks, size of docks and boathouses, lighting, natural buffers and lot coverage, to name a few.
We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Planning Department and councilors in helping us reach our goal of protecting and preserving Fairy Lake for future generations.
Evaluation of Minor Variances & Zoning By-Law Amendments
The Fairy Lake Association receives requests for comments from the Huntsville Planning Department when a Fairy Lake property owner or agent makes an application for a minor variance or needs a Zoning By-law Amendment in order to proceed with their building project. As an association endeavouring to protect the public interest, and in particular, to represent the interests of those who have a stake in the lake, we do not support land use changes or development proposals which are inconsistent with the principles of the Official Plan and/or the intent of the Zoning By-Law.
Developing and maintaining waterfront property requires a unique set of guidelines. Many agencies can provide us with resources on how to be responsible property owners. These groups are able and willing to give us sound advice that will help us all work within the intent of the Zoning By-law established to ensure that the character of the lake and the quality of the water are preserved.
Resources:
Town of Huntsville Planning Department
Muskoka Watershed Council
Ministry of Natural Resources
Department of Oceans and Fisheries
FOCA
Make a donation.
These efforts to preserve our beautiful lake can only be made possible through our members, donations, and volunteers. Please donate online or by cheque via mail to the following address:
51 King William Street, Box 30006 Huntsville, Ontario P1H 0B5