Hudson Lakes Association to Proceed with Lakes Plan

Many residents of the Hudson Lakes have been concerned for some time now about the potential for development in the lakes area that will impact on the unique character of the lakes and the enjoyment of their cottages and homes. The Hudson Lakes Association (HLA) believes that the Township's official plan is outdated, and does not adequately preserve the environment of the lakes and protect the residents from rampant development.

Following the public meeting last September to discuss the proposed gravel pits adj acent to the lakes, and the large number of complaints that were received on this and other possible developments, the HLA, reaffirmed that it has a responsibility to the lakes community to take a pro-active role in protecting the lakes environment.

Consequently, the directors decided to retain French Planning Services Inc. of Bracebridge to oversee the preparation of a lake plan for the Hudson Lakes. The Randy French, the principal consultant, is a well-respected lakes planner who has prepared similar plans for many cottager's associations, municipalities and government agencies across Ontario.

What is a Lake Plan?

In our case, the purpose of a lake plan is to identify, recognize and protect the unique character of the four lakes in Hudson Township. At the same time, the study will consider the larger planning issues such as viewscape and watershed land use.

The plan will ensure that future development fits the context of a lake environment. The process of developing the plan will be a community effort that will take into consideration all the stakeholders, who will be given a chance to consider what makes the lakes special to them.

The planning process will include education of community members, and promote a consensus on issues and concerns. This part of the process will also include a questionnaire that will be received with this newsletter, which will help to identify what you feel is worthy of protection.

The Lake Plan will identify landuse policy that the Association will recommend be incorporated into the Township' Official Plan.

Preparing the Plan

The consultant has recommended a course of action in preparing the plan, including the following:

• 1. A committee of volunteer Hudson Lakes residents is being established to collect background information for the preparation of the plan. This will be a small committee of people with expertise in geology, geography, wildlife biology, water quality, the environment, and social, cultural and historical aspects of the area.
• 2. The HLA is sending a questionnaire to all ratepayers on the Hudson Lakes, which will identify their concerns, what they feel is special and unique about their lake, and which factors can affect their cottaging experience or quality of life on the lakes.
• 3. The HLA will be providing ongoing information about the purpose of and the preparation of the plan through:
• newsletters,
• our Annual General Meeting (AGM), and
• a workshop on lake planning.
• The consultant, Randy French, had agreed to be the guest speaker at the AGM, and has also agreed to conduct a workshop that will be open to all residents of the community.
• 4. During the winter and spring of2009, a background report will be prepared. From this report, issues, direction and strategies will be identified, and a draft lake plan will be prepared. Following a review of the draft plan, the final report will be prepared and presented to the 2009 AGM for approval.
• 5. The·final Lake Plan will contain recommendations that will be forwarded to township council, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and other relevant government agencies.

Funding the Lake Plan:

The preparation of a Lake Plan will cost approximately $15,000 -$20,000, depending on the scope of the final plan. The Association is applying to the Trillium Foundation and other grant-providing agencies for grants. We will also be appealing to our members for donations towards the cost of the plan.

Conclusion:

The Hudson Lakes Association and its members consider themselves to be part of the larger community of Hudson Township, and we wish to work on a cooperative basis with township council and other government agencies on this lake plan. We feel that the information and recommendations generated in the preparation of this plan will be of benefit to all residents of Hudson Township.