No objections were presented to an official plan amendment that would see a recreational policy area at Pike Lake expanded to allow for further development of a golf course, motel and campground business.
Wellington County manager of planning and environment Mark Van Patter explained the amendment would designate about 44.5 acres north of the motel from secondary agricultural and highway commercial to include them in the Pike Lake recreation policy area (PA5-1).
“The effect of the amendment will be to recognize the southern portion of the subject lands, which have already have a developed motel and driving range. The amendment will also permit development of the northern portion of the subject lands to those uses specified in PA5-1” Van Patter explained.
However, he added, “prior to further development, a zoning bylaw amendment will be required and supporting studies may be necessary.”
He also said no specific development has been proposed for the redesigned lands at this point.
Van Patter noted the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority wants the possible presence of endangered species on the land investigated before the amendment is approved.
Van Patter suggested the proponents of the amendment discuss the endangered species issue with Ministry of Natural Resources staff and “determine how to resolve the issue.
“We are in support of the proposal providing the matter raised by the SVCA can be satisfactorily addressed.”
While Van Patter said it was unclear what endangered species may be in the area, Bruce Fulcher, a consultant acting for the owner of the lands, suggested concerns involve snapping turtles and barn swallows.
Van Patter noted, “Pike Lake is an extremely valuable employer in north Wellington really. So I think we need to support them as much as we can.”
Councillor David Turton said, “I think it’s a good thing looking ahead and changing the plan to accommodate what’s coming up in the future.”
