Mark Heaton

Skycroft Campground appealed the Township of South Frontenac's refusal of its Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to permit a significant expansion of its campsites and cabins.

The Ontario Land Tribunal dismissed the appeals, finding that the applicant failed to demonstrate the proposed development would have no negative impacts on natural heritage features or their ecological functions.

The Tribunal found the Environmental Impact Study was improperly scoped and methodologically flawed, particularly regarding species at risk such as the Cerulean Warbler and Gray Ratsnake.

Furthermore, the scale of the proposed expansion did not conform to the density and waterfront amenity requirements of the Township's Official Plan.

Galibier Materials Inc. appealed the Township of Springwater's failure to make a decision on applications to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit the expansion of an existing aggregate pit.

The Minister of Natural Resources also referred the associated Licence Application to the Tribunal.

Objectors raised concerns regarding air quality impacts from dust and the preservation of a wildlife corridor.

The Tribunal found that the proposed Dust Management Plan and revised phasing and rehabilitation plans adequately addressed the concerns.

The Tribunal allowed the appeals, approved the planning instruments, and directed the Minister to issue the licence subject to conditions, finding the proposal consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and in the public interest.

The applicants sought leave to appeal the Director's decision to issue a Permit to Take Water for post-construction foundation drainage at a proposed long-term care home on the Oak Ridges Moraine.

The Tribunal dismissed the application, finding that the applicants failed to meet the stringent test under section 41 of the Environmental Bill of Rights.

The Director's decision was reasonable, based on a thorough technical review, and included conditions to prevent environmental harm.

The applicants' concerns were largely speculative, outside the scope of the permit, or related to broader opposition to the development rather than the water-taking itself.

The South Bracebridge Environmental Protection Group appealed the Town of Bracebridge's approval of an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the development of a private school complex.

The Tribunal found that the proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms with the applicable Official Plans, provided that the minimum buffer for wetlands and watercourses is increased from 15m to 30m.

The Tribunal also required the inclusion of a holding symbol that can only be lifted after site-specific environmental impact statements, including comprehensive amphibian and bat surveys, demonstrate no negative impacts on significant wildlife habitat.

The appeal was allowed in part to implement these amendments.