Beaver Valley Ratepayers Association: Spring/Summer Newsletter 2009
BEAVER VALLEY VILLAGE SUBDIVISION PROPOSAL
In response to membership concerns raised at the 2008 BVRA Annual
General Meeting, we have been busy for the last year researching, monitoring and
commenting on the 45-lot subdivision, known as Beaver Valley Village, proposed
for the 29 ha area bounded by Windy Lane, Bowles Bluff Road and the Seventh
Line.
Status
·
The proposal supports a 45-lot subdivision,
on individual septic systems and individual wells.
·
Comments from the Niagara Escarpment
Commission and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), as well as a private
consulting firm, and an independent karst expert, express concern that the
studies completed by the proponent do not provide sufficient evidence that
water quality and quantity will not be negatively impacted for existing and
future residents in the area.
·
A Settlement Capability Study (SCS),
completed by the proponent to assess the impact of individual services within
the entire Escarpment Recreation Area (ERA) has added no new evidence to
indicate no negative impact.
·
County planners will review the SCS and
subsequent agency comments, and in consultation with Grey Highlands’ planners,
decide if the report satisfies the concerns raised, at which time they will
make their recommendations to the Planning Committee of Grey County.
Concerns
- Does the
proposed servicing scheme of individual septic systems and individual
wells, demonstrate no negative impact for all residents in the ERA (present
and future), given the scale of development and the well-known water
problems experienced by existing residents?
- The MOE
notes that there are 103 residential units proposed (Beaver Valley Village, Beaver
Valley Woodlands and Beaver Valley Ski Club), that this scale of
development is indicative of a settlement area and that the level of
servicing should be appropriate. (Typically, municipal sewage and water
services are considered appropriate.)
- The SCS
concludes that the ERA area could conceivably support 294 residential lots
on individual wells and septic systems, and that existing and proposed
development of 255 units is viable.
- The SCS
acknowledges the presence of issues with existing well water supplies
situated at or near the brow of the escarpment including inconsistent
supply, turbidity and adverse bacteriological condition. It does not however evaluate the
cumulative impact of 45 new units (not to mention 103 new units), on
existing well water quality and quantity.
- No
assessment was made of current utilization of wells downgradient
from the proposed development or of any utilization of water discharging
from springs along the Niagara Escarpment, both of which may be impacted
by future development.
- No attempt
was made to assess the potential effects of karst on variations in well
water quantity and quality and to acknowledge the likelihood of the use of
alternate water supplies for some residents.
How You Can Help
This proposed subdivision affects all of us who live here. The time is
approaching for planners and politicians to make a decision that will have a critical long-term impact
for us, and our environment. Letters get
attention and many letters get more attention.
Please help each other, by writing, to express your concerns, to pledge
attention to the decision-making process, and to hold officials accountable for
their actions. If you would like further
information or have questions, contact:
Cathy Little at (519-986-4369) or
(kippawa@cablerocket.com)
Please consider supporting the
BVRA, by joining us.
A membership fee of $20 may
be sent to our Treasurer:
Anne Ellison
205-80 Palace
Pier Court, Toronto, M8V 4C1