SKYDEV APARTMENT PLANS FAST-TRACKED FOR GRAVENHURST

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Plans for a major housing development at the south end of Gravenhurst have been fast-tracked.

Major zoning and official plan amendments were approved Tuesday at a town planning council meeting.

And SkyDev president Greg Jones said in an email Thursday to MuskokaTODAY.com that as a result: “All looks good to start construction this year.”

On “two of the rental apartment buildings — with the amenity building.”

That means more than 100 new apartments in town possibly by late 2021 or 2022.

It’s part of a long-term plan for four apartments building — with 232 units — a future hotel of 89 rooms and five more retail nodes as the shopping plaza at the entrance to Gravenhurst looks to at least double in size in time.

None would be condos, according to Jones.

The entire project, when complete, would be about a $100 million investment by the Guelph-based development company that has properties across Ontario.

The Gravenhurst planning changes were meant to now include housing — in addition to commercial/retail — for the area specifically bounded the Sobey’s grocer and Canadian Tire hardware.

According to a staff report for the Feb. 25 meeting: The overall intent of these two applications is to permit additional uses on these lands to facilitate the development of a mixed use area as part of the Gateway Commercial development at the south end of the Gravenhurst Urban Area. If approved, the applications would permit the development of 232 apartment style residential units within four buildings, along with associated outdoor amenity space, parking as well as an eight story hotel in addition to the other commercial-type uses that are already permitted in this area.

Scott Lucas, the town’s director of community growth and development, said Friday that the report was initially for information and it was suggested that it be accepted for consideration.

However, he told MuskokaTODAY.com that council insteady opted to “recognize the concept” — in effect accepting it.

The proposed changes, he said, are site specific to the Edward Street and Talisman Drive property, which Jones previously told TODAY that SkyDev’s parent company had purchased early last year for $30 million.

One significant request granted by councillors was that the hotel on the site could be built as high as eight storeys, making it the tallest building in town when eventually built.

Lucas said that may not end up being the final height; however that option is now available.

He said it also does not set a precedent for other similar high-rises in Gravenhurst, such as say downtown.

Condos at the Muskoka Wharf are six storeys.

Lucas also added that the town and staff will have to look at new provincial housing guidelines, which just came out today Feb. 28, to see how they could impact a possible mix of apartment costs in regard to affordable housing policies.

The Ford government previously said municipalites could dictate any mix with market-value units.

See related MuskokaTODAY.com story below:

$100M HOTEL, RETAIL, APARTMENT COMPLEX PROPOSED IN GRAVENHURST

A site plan proposal that shows four apartment buildings, a future hotel, and five more retail pods has been appoved in concept by the Town of Gravenhurst.
The proposal would include four apartment buildings – two of 62 units and two of 54 units with recreational amenities.

Email Mark Clairmont at [email protected]

Or [email protected]

Celebrating 25 YEARS of ‘Local Online Journalism’

Follow him at Twitter @muskokatodaily

And on Facebook at [email protected]

  • Follow us on Twitter @muskokatodaily
  • And on Facebook at mclairmont1
  • Email [email protected]

Letters to the Editor always welcome:

Let us know what you’re thinking. Click on the Comment button at the end of this story to leave your comments.

Or write a Letter to the Editor …

And … please Subscribe: