Lakecroft’s application for an Official Plan Amendment and zoning change initially failed in an 8-5 vote at the August 20th Planning and Development Committee meeting. 

The proposal was for a new wedding venue for up to 100 guests at the site at 89 Sandy Lane and County Road 18.

But after a deputation from the applicant’s lawyer, Mark Pederson, Council narrowly approved in a 6-5 vote August 26th.

Councillors Branderhorst, Englesdorfer, Maynard, Nieman, and Mayor Steve Ferguson were still opposed. Councillors Roy Pennell, Bill Roberts, and Phil Prinzen were absent. 

Mr. Pederson warned Council that if Lakecroft’s application was denied, his clients would bring the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal, where they would most likely win. Defending the appeal would cost the County tens of thousands of dollars. 

He noted the County’s own planners recommended approval, and that the Lakecroft proposal was consistent with provincial planning policy.

“Both your staff planner, Ms. Buonamici, and my client’s planner, Ms. Moggach, are agreed that these applications ought to be approved,” Mr. Pederson said. 

”My client has spent in excess of $100,000 in studies and application fees in support of this development.

“The County will need to find, retain, and pay subject matter experts to testify at the Tribunal Hearing, rebutting my client’s evidence, and most importantly, rebutting the evidence of Ms. Buonamici, Mr. Coffey, and Ms. Viau, the County’s own staff.”

Former Campground

Before Blanding Inc. bought the property in 2020, it was a campground for up to 145 guests in tents, trailers, and cottages. 

Lakecroft has six glamping tents (increasing to nine), a five-room motel, and a three-room cottage. It now adds the one-story wedding venue.

The applicant initially proposed hosting weddings under a tent, but added a new building to its plans in response to  noise complaints. 

Neighbours complained that even without the Tourist Commercial designation, Lakecroft has hosted weddings for the past two summers. 

“Most commercial businesses start off illegal here,” Ms. Buonamici said at the Planning and Development Committee meeting. “We’re not in the business of reprimanding them.”

Noise complaints

But the primary concern was the noise. “The music goes on well into the morning hours. The noise has a negative impact on our well being at both our private residences and at our private campground, and of course on the population of Cherry Valley,” said neighbour Amy Martin.

“Initially when we heard loud, amplified music, particularly the bass vibrating through our home even with the windows closed at night, and including after 11pm, we were upset and tended to brace for weekends, especially when we had to be up early for work at hospital shifts and rounds the next day,” said Anne Nancekievill.

“Fines and consequences should be meaningful, and escalated for repeat offences,” she said. 

Not all of the neighbours were unhappy. “I live right beside Lakecroft,” said William Davis. “In my experience, it has always complied with municipal bylaws. Events end at 11 and often before that.” 

A Scoped Noise Impact study from Cambium recommended mitigation measures including monitoring with sound level meters, keeping doors closed during receptions, and constructing a well-sealed building.

Those noise mitigation measures are now a condition of site plan approval.

County planners recommended a zoning by-law amendment to Tourist Commercial, and approved development within an area zoned Hamlet. It did not recommend any changes to the the Environmental Protection zoning on part of the property.

“A Hamlet is a settlement area,” said Ms. Buanamici. “That is where the focus of growth and development is to be.”

In addition, County Road 18 is a designated Tourism Corridor.