Rezoning of Oak Lake property raises residents' concerns

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Kate Everson

EMC News - Quinte West - A residence on Cliff Way at Oak Lake is recommended for rezoning but some residents are not in favour.

"The application has been circulated to ensure adequate public consultation," notes area planner Matthew Silton.

The application is to rezone the property at Lot 20 RP 1384A former township of Sidney, owned by Rosanna Clark, from Special Residential (Holding) zone to Special Residential. The land has a total area of .34 acres with a shoreline that slopes toward the lake.

The amending zoning bylaw will remove the H-holding Zone to permit repairs to the existing shed, construction of a deck and shoreline alterations to include a dock on the property.

Several objections were received by the Planning Department. Lesley Forrester of 69 John Meyers Road, said she seriously objects to any further attempts by this owner to develop the property. She indicated they need to protect the water quality of the lake and avoid further degradation of the wetland.

A letter from D. Bercarich of 67 Meyers Road also expressed concerns. He said the owner of the property has already begun using a backhoe to move earth, fell large trees and push earth into the lake. "This construction encourages a complete disregard for the law, threatening the safety of residents on the lake and punishes those who want to do the right thing in abiding by the law."

A letter from Donna Bonin noted that many long-time residents of the lake have been denied approval for improving their waterfront or increasing cottage size in order to safeguard the quality of the lake. She wondered why this newcomer of four months was allowed to progress so quickly. "New development of any kind will stress the lake," she wrote.

Jane Aman of 85 John Meyers Road noted, "The water quality of the lake is getting worse. More needs to be done to reverse this decline." She has lived on the lake 13 years and now they have to use a much more sophisticated water treatment system to get clean usable water.

"The lake, in its present state, is not able to keep up with the impact of human use," she writes. "There is no outlet on this lake so the phosphates and run-off chemicals from well-manicured lawns and driveways all stay at the bottom of the lake."

She noted that e-bacteria tests showed high levels on all points of the lake and higher in some areas because of agricultural run-off.

Aman said she has learned to be a responsible user of the lake instead of being a detriment to it. They put in a new septic system, planted 30 trees and bushes and have not used any pesticides or herbicides.

"Please consider the importance of the health of the lake in your decision," she writes. "An increase in human activity adds a burden on the lake it cannot afford."