The emergence of the sandbar at the north end of Redstone Lake has been a sign that summer has reached its apex, and fall is not far away. For many years Redstone, Little Red, and Pelaw cottagers have gathered on the sandbar to enjoy the beach and its stunning views, walk/wade over to neighbouring Blueberry Island, and meet with friends and neighbours. For all intents and purposes, it has been the only public gathering spot on the lake. We are aware that many of our members are concerned that a new property development could threaten public access to this important gathering spot.
Some of you may have noticed that the previously vacant land behind the sandbar is under development with the construction of a cottage and some shoreline restoration. Earlier this year, the owners of the property applied to Dysart et al to purchase 1) the shore road allowance above the high water mark, which includes part of Blueberry Island (with the remainder owned by Dysart et al); and 2) the shore road allowance below the high water mark, which includes the entirety of the sand bar and the partially submerged wetlands behind it. The property owners indicated their intention to keep this area private via posted signage and to construct an aircraft hangar on the island.
Aerial view of the proposed lot, including shore road allowances requested by the property owners. The shoreline allowances include the portion of the island, the sandbar, and the wetlands behind it.
At the Dysart Council Meeting on July 22nd, Dysart staff recommended that Council deny the applications, saying that this would violate the Dysart et al Official Plan, and noting that the lands in question were currently used by the public and that selling them would not be in the public interest. Council agreed, and denied the application. While the plans for an aircraft hangar would require federal government approval and would not be subject to local zoning laws, the implication of denying the shore road allowance purchase is that this could not proceed. Here is a link to Dysart et al’s staff recommendation to Council: https://dysartetal.civicweb.net/document/432222/.
On behalf of the RLCA, we would like to commend Dysart et al staff and Council for their wisdom and insight in this matter, and hope our members will continue to enjoy the use of both the sandbar and the island for many years to come. We will continue to share with our membership any updates that may arise if an appeal process is initiated.