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

However, the site has already been used and constructed without the city’s approval or applicable licenses.

On October 28, Gray Highlands Council held a public meeting to consider a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow a property in Concession 12B near Lake Eugenia to host weddings and also accommodate guests in cabins and tents. The proposal also requires an official amendment to the plan by Gray County.

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

The proposal is a wedding venue for events with up to 95 guests on the 100-acre property, with events running until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10pm all other nights. The owners would like to offer five cabins and seven tent sites, in addition to the main home, for short-term rentals for up to 14 people.

Zoning and official plan amendment applications are complicated by what Gray Highlands planning manager Andrew Payne described as a “history of non-compliance” on the property.

In the summer of 2023, the municipality became aware of multiple problems at the site. The property had been hosting wedding events without proper zoning or permits.

Several structures on the property had been built without building permits and in wetland areas.

Additionally, the main residence on the property was being used as an unlicensed short-term rental unit. At the time, the municipality ordered that weddings stop, that illegal properties be used and that short-term rental operations be put to an end.

Payne said the owners have since been working with the township, county and Gray Sauble Conservation Authority 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 desire to establish and operate a successful and significant business that benefits the township and county,” Loft said.

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

“This has been a very interesting application to review. “I think it really tests the various public interest policies of the planning law,” he said, noting that the county had received 15 letters from local residents opposing the application, nine letters of support and one neutral letter.

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

Six members of the public also spoke at the meeting and expressed opposition and concern about the proposal.

Neighbor Jim Montgomery said he had applied for permits to build a garage and for a renovation or addition to his house.

“It seems like not everyone was following the rules,” he said. “It was very worrying to read in the planning report that the planning permission process was ignored and that a number of buildings were constructed illegally.”

He called the proposal “very intrusive” and said hosting a wedding of up to 95 people, plus related staff, would not be a small event.

Another speaker called the proposal “over the top.” Another neighbor said he had already experienced noisy events there.

“I just can’t imagine how much more noise it will be if this project moves forward,” he said.

Council made no decisions at the meeting and the planning process will continue. Proponents will have the opportunity to address comments and concerns raised at the public meeting in future reports.

Borough and county planning staff will, at some point in the future, submit reports with recommendations for both council and county council to consider.