GGRA.CA
AUGUST 28, 2009 MEETING RE MUSIC MUSKOKA
Meeting held at the Huntsville Office of Tony Clement, M.P.
In Attendance Tony Clement M.P., Mayor John Klinck
Representing Kendari Beth Halpenny, Rick Hunter (Planscape), Jeff
Melanson, John Swallow (noise consultant)
Representing GSLRA - Jim Davis, Doug Wallis
Representing GGRA - Laurie Wallis
Representing MLA - Lola Bratty
The meeting was organized by Mr. Clement as he wanted to hear from the parties and ensure that all concerns about the project were on the table.
Changes to Music Music Plan recital theatre will be entirely enclosed no extra outdoor seating. Proposed cost is still $93 million. Kendari is requesting funding for 2/3 of the cost 1/3 from Federal funding, 1/3 from Provincial funding and developer to provide 1/3. On completion of the project the land and assets (buildings) will be turned over to a not for profit entity. An example given of a not for profit entity is the Ontario Heritage Foundation. The operation and programming of the theatre and maintenance of the lands would be the responsibility of the private sector.
Planner, Rick Hunter updated on progress to date and how some of the concerns that were raised at the June 6 open house were being addressed.
Noise/Acoustics Consultant retained-report pending.
Traffic,including parking Transportation Strategy&Traffic Impact Study(July 2008) submitted with OP amendment application.
Site servicing (sewer,water,storm water) Functional Servicing Report (June 2009) submitted with OP amendment application.
Environmental issues on Gull Lake and on site Consultant site research completed report pending.
Impact of range of other activities on the site(particularly related to pre and post performances reviewing appropriate range of other activities in consultation with the Town & the residents planning report pending.
Potential Conflict with Music on the Barge Programming to ensure the the two do not conflict details to be developed jointly with the Town.
Responsibility for payment of road & infrastructure improvements applicant's responsibility to pay for any improvements required as a result of the impact of the development.
Site development & design issues, including impacts on neighbouring properties will include issues related to building locations, lighting, parking facilities, etc.
Public access to the property outside of performances site not open to the public for security, liability and insurances purposes; opportunities for tours, etc. to be programmed in consultation with the Town.
Impact of blasting would be addressed at the time of detailed site engineering; appropriate
insurance is carried to protect neighbouring properties.Mosquito & blackfly control impact is being reviewed; would be addressed through a combination of programming & environmental controls.
Approval Process: Applications will be considered complete when the outstanding reports (Acoustics, Planning and Environmental) are submitted.
Town will convene a public meeting to present the applications.
If adopted by the Town, the OP amendment is submitted to the District of Muskoka for approval.
There are appeal rights to the Ontario Municipal Board if there is no agreement on the development.
The preliminary summary of the Environmental Acoustics -.
Sound is controlled at the site:
Some questions & concerns that were raised The Residents Associations raised concerns about the success of the project and whether studies have been done to show that it is sustainable. A concern was raised that it will require ongoing government funding. Jeff Melanson indicated that marketing studies have been done . Jim Davis is to hear from Mr. Melanson about suggested meeting times for the Residents Associations to view these. Residents concerns that this project is not a wise use of taxpayers dollars were also raised. Minister Clement pointed out the the federal and provincial governments contribute millions of dollars every year to arts & culture.
Re government funding no decisions have been made. They haven't even gone through the evaluation process yet. Jim Davis of the GSLRA wondered what the criteria is for funding. Minister Clement indicated that the final criteria are not yet developed and available. The funding will not be from the stimulus envelope. Thus Kendari is not held to the 2011 completion date.
Kendari is continuing with the Official Plan amendment and Zoning Amendment applications even though there is no anticipated date to learn whether funding has been approved. They want to have everything in place to proceed if/when funding is approved. Rick Hunter indicated that the OP and zoning amendment applications will state that the land returns to the current Residential land designation and Residential zoning if funding is not received. Kendari would have reapply for OP and zoning amendment applications for any future development that they might consider.
Mayor Klinck pointed out that he believes there is a willingness on Council to continue to investigate the Music Muskoka proposal and that Council is legally bound to consider the OP and Zoning Amendment Applications. He indicated that they could defer the by-law after first or second reading (three readings are necessary).
The Residents Associations several times indicated that their concerns are not based on mere opposition or a NIMBY approach. They feel there are many questions which must be answered if public funds go into a project and if the project is to be successful.