Justin Kestler

The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy appealed the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula's approval of a zoning by-law amendment that permitted the development of a cottage, detached garage, and septic system on lands within the Zinkan Island Cove Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.

The appellant argued that the applicant failed to demonstrate that the development would have no negative impacts on the natural features or their ecological functions, as required by the Provincial Policy Statement.

The Tribunal dismissed the appeal, preferring the evidence of the applicant's and municipality's experts, who concluded that the development, restricted to a previously disturbed building envelope with mitigation measures, would have no negative impacts on the alvar habitat or other natural heritage features.