A proposal to legalize a combination wedding venue and short-term accommodation/camping business near Lake Eugenia has generated significant opposition and concern from local residents and neighbours.
However, the site has already been used — and built on — without town approvals or applicable licences.
On Oct. 28, Grey Highlands council held a public meeting to consider a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow a property on Concession 12B near Lake Eugenia to host weddings as well as overnight guests in cabins and tents. The proposal also requires an official plan amendment from Grey County.
The public meeting stretched for more than two hours as multiple neighbours raised concerns about noise, impact on the local environment/wildlife, parking and traffic.
The proposal is for a wedding venue for events with up to 95 guests on the 100-acre property, with events running to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 p.m. all other nights. The owners would like to offer five cabins and seven tent sites plus the main dwelling unit as a short-term rental for up to 14 people.
The zoning and official plan amendment applications are complicated by what Grey Highlands' manager of planning, Andrew Payne, described as a “history of non-compliance” on the property.
In the summer of 2023, the municipality became aware of multiple issues on the site. The property had been hosting wedding events without proper zoning or permits.
Several structures on the property had been built without building permits and in wetland areas.
Also, the property’s main dwelling was being used as a short-term rental unit without a license. At the time, the municipality ordered that the weddings stop, for the illegal buildings to cease to be used and the short-term rental operation end.
Payne said, since that time, the owners have been working with the municipality, the county and the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority to bring the property into compliance.
At the meeting, planning consultant Kristine Loft represented Loren Jerome Nagy and Caitlin McConnell, the owners of the property, which is known as Highlands Estates.
“The owners do wish to establish and operate a successful and meaningful business that benefits the municipality and the county,” said Loft.
Payne presented the municipal report on the matter, while Grey County planner Becky Hillyer spoke about the county official plan amendment portion.
“This has been a very interesting application to review. I think it really tests the various public interest policies of the planning act,” she said, noting that the county had received 15 letters from local residents opposing the application, nine letters in support and one neutral letter.
Members of council asked multiple questions about noise, traffic, parking and environmental impacts.
Six members of the public also spoke at the meeting and expressed opposition and concerns to the proposal.
Neighbour Jim Montgomery said he had sought permits to build a garage and for a renovation/addition to his home.
“It looks like the rules were not being followed by everybody,” he said. “It was very concerning to read in the planning report that the building permit process was ignored and several buildings were illegally constructed.”
He called the proposal “very intrusive” and said wedding hosting up to 95 people, plus related staff would not be small events.
Another speaker called the proposal “over the top.” Another neighbour said they have already experienced loud events at the venue.
“I just can’t imagine how much louder it will be should this project move forward,” she said.
Council made no decision at the meeting and the planning process will continue. The proponents will have the opportunity to address the comments and concerns raised at the public meeting in future reports.
Planning staff at the municipality and the county will, at some point in the future, bring forward reports with recommendations for both council and county council to consider.
