I am commenting on this…

I am commenting on this application (ERO #025-0350), as well as the two other related applications (#025-0351, #025-049). I am a cottage owner on the Winnetka Lake road that these applications are on. I object to these applications because they have the potential to significantly change the established land use patterns, specifically in relation to the community recreational use of the land, some of which are decades old.

The first of these patterns is related to a series of well-marked and documented trails that occupy part of the land (that which is north of the Winnetka road). I have attached a trail map that illustrates the extent of the trails and how they cross over the property in question. These trails were established in the early 1990s after a fire had cleared much of the area to the north of Engineer lake. After the fire, cottagers in the area started to head back into the forest to go berry picking and hiking. Over the ensuing years, these trails became formalized and marked, and their use started to increase. People would use them for hiking, berry picking, picnics and we've even cross-country skied on them at times. They also became developed for mountain biking, with community members adding ramps, bridges and other materials to allow for the paths to be used by bikes. Removing those areas from the Co-op would risk community access to the trails that have been built by and for the neighbourhood.

The second pattern is the use of the peninsula on the western end of the property under review. That peninsula has a picturesque rock that is open to both lakes that come together at that point. This is a rock that is commonly used for picnics, fishing and other uses. The history of using that spot dates back to the early 1980s when it was a bonfire location for all of the cottagers on the lake to gather during special holidays.

Finally, these applications could open up the property to the north of the road for further subdivision and sale by the new private owners. This has the possibility of increasing the impact of cottagers on the lake. In recent years, we have noticed increasing damage to the lake from increased use, especially from waves from powerboats, but also in increased dissolved organic compounds that are impacting the clarity of the lake. More cottages on the lake might increase those changes, especially as some of the area north of the road hold small wetlands that help filter rainwater and other runoff.

It is worth noting as well, that, as stated in the application, the Winnetka Lake Resort Limited was a co-op that had as one of its goals to “assist in the recreational and leisure enjoyment of the property that is held.” It has achieved that goal especially well, in a way that has benefited the neighbourhood cottagers. This outcome was a direct result of the fact that this land was held in common by the members of the corporation with this goal in mind. These beneficial patterns of use would be impacted by this subdivision of the corporation’s land.

I hope these comments are helpful to the consideration of these applications.