Retroactive approval is required for a wedding venue built without a permit

A proposal to legalize a combination wedding venue and short-term accommodation/camping activity near Lake Eugenia has sparked significant opposition and concern from local residents and neighbors.

However, the site has already been used – and built on – without municipal approval or applicable license.

On October 28, the Gray Highlands City Council held a public meeting to make a decision Change in zoning plan that would allow a property on Concession 12B near Lake Eugenia to host weddings and allow guests to stay overnight in cabins and tents. The proposal also requires an official plan amendment from Gray County.

The public meeting lasted more than two hours as several neighbors raised concerns about noise, impact on the local environment/wildlife, parking and traffic.

The proposal is for a wedding venue for events with up to 95 guests on the 100-acre site, with events lasting until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10pm on all other evenings. The owners would like to offer five cabins and seven tent sites plus the main house as short-term rentals for up to 14 people.

The applications for zoning and official plan changes are complicated by what Gray Highlands planning manager Andrew Payne described as a “history of non-compliance” on the site.

In the summer of 2023, the municipality became aware of several problems on the site. Wedding events were organized in the building without the proper zoning regulations or permits.

Several structures on the site had been built without planning permission and in wetland areas.

In addition, the property’s main residence was being used as a short-term rental unit without a permit. The municipality ordered at the time to stop the weddings, stop using the illegal buildings and end short-term rentals.

Payne said the owners have been working with the city, county and Gray Sauble Conservation Authority since that time to bring the property into compliance.

At the meeting, planning consultant Kristine Loft represented Loren Jerome Nagy and Caitlin McConnell, the owners of the property, known as Highlands Estates.

“The owners want to create and operate a successful and meaningful business that will benefit the municipality and the province,” Loft said.

Payne presented the municipal report on the issue, while Gray County Planner Becky Hillyer spoke about the county’s official plan amendment portion.

“This was a very interesting application to review. I think it really puts the various public interest policies of the Planning Act to the test,” she said, noting the province had received 15 letters from local residents opposing the application, nine in support and one neutral letter.

Council members asked several questions about noise, traffic, parking and environmental impacts.

Six members of the public also spoke at the meeting, expressing their opposition and concerns about the proposal.

Neighbor Jim Montgomery said he had applied for permits to build a garage and renovate/expand his home.

“It seems that the rules are not being followed by everyone,” he said. “It was deeply concerning to read in the planning report that the planning permission process was ignored and several buildings were built illegally.”

He called the proposal “very intrusive” and said a wedding with up to 95 people, plus associated staff, would not be small events.

Another speaker called the proposal ‘over the top’. Another neighbor said they have already experienced loud events at the location.

“I just can’t imagine how much louder it will be as this project moves forward,” she said.

The council made no decision at the meeting and the planning process continues. Proponents will have an opportunity to address comments and concerns raised during the public meeting in future reports.

City and county planning staff will at some point in the future submit reports with recommendations for both the City Council and County Council to consider.