My name is Shawn Gallaugher…

My name is Shawn Gallaugher and I am interested in submitting a comment as my family owns a large number of properties within Oakley Township. In fact, one parcel of property is adjacent to Bigwind Lake Provincial Park. My father as well developed the north shore access road to Bigwind Lake and we hold the right to sell cottagers access to their property via Gallaugher Road, Whispering Pines Trail, and Sugar Maple Lane. Lastly, my family has been in the area for 111 years and my grandfather had a lumber mill in the neighbouring village of Vancoughnet and because of this we have both a great history and interest in the future of the area.

Regarding development of the park, while I am open to the potential of various type of land uses and opportunities for people to connect with nature, I believe it is important at the same time to preserve the natural environment, water quality, and ecology of the park as it is being developed. As well, I feel there should be opportunities to preserve the natural character of the landscape and retain the cultural heritage of the area.

Specifically, since my grandfather had a nearby lumber mill, I am interested in a logging museum to tell the story of the logging history in the area. I am a landscape architect by profession and in the past developed conceptual plans for a community centre in Vankoughnet to be a logging museum but unfortunately at the time there was not interest by council. Through research of this idea however I learned that there is a rich history and many artifacts within the community that could be utilized.

As a neighbouring land owner, my one concern is that development within the park should not come close to private property as how would park users know they were exiting the park boundaries and entering onto private land.

Lastly, I used Bigwind Lake as a research model for my Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis which was 'Preserving the Natural Character of the Muskoka Landscape,' so I am very sensitive to the landscape character and would like to see this both experienced and preserved. As a designer I have worked on four properties on Bigwind Lake where I have applied lessons learned through years of studying the surrounding lake environment and would be happy to discuss with you in greater detail or be of assistance in designing areas of the park.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit a comment and I look forward to learning more about the future park as the process continues.