KAWARTHA LAKES- Mari Bryans and her husband Ed own 43 acres of land on Highway 36 near Dunsford but say they have been told they can only develop 2 of those acres because of a flood plain designation by Kawartha Conservation.
“When we bought two and a half years ago we were told at our pre-consultation meeting that we did not have a problem at all, we could hire Beverly Saunders (Resources Planner, Â Kawartha Conservation)to come out she would assess the levels of our land and we would be fine.” Bryans told Kawartha 411. “We did all that, we didn’t purchase until we had talked to her, after we purchased we got all the numbers, it proved we were not in the flood plain, but now they have told us, oh no you can’t build its in the flood plain.”
The Bryans were one of about 40 people who showed up to the Dunsford Creek Flood Plain Mapping meeting at the Dunsford Community Centre about on Wednesday night. Many of the residents expressed anger at the project itself. “It just seems like such a stupid needless project. Why don’t you just shut it down, its unnecessary, it’s unneeded, who thought up the idea to even do it?” one resident shouted.
It’s part of a multi-year project to conduct flood plain mapping on 10 study areas in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes. The purpose carding to officials is to update the city’s Community Preparedness Plan to address natural hazards, including flooding. The mapping is a prediction based on a 1 in 100 year weather event.
Two years ago the Bryans sold their campground in Brighton and planned to open another one here so they could be closer to family. They’ve given up on that dream. Â “We have about $590,000 into it.” Bryans says. “We have it up for sale because we have been told we will never be allowed to develop that property.”
Many of the older residents noted the creek had not flooded in their lifetime. Others expressed concern about the flood plain designation hindering their plans for renovation or expansion to their homes. “I think it will definitely have an affect on that” one resident stated. “How can it not”
Ron Warne, Director of Planning for Kawartha Conservation explained that the designation could have an affect on building but that the mapping will actually help the residents. “It already is a flood plain, we are just showing you where it is.” Warne said. “Nothing from tonight changes the information on whether or not you can build to be honest with you. If we didn’t do this you would have to prove you are not on the flood plain. Thats one of the key things a lot of people don’t seem to get.”
However many residents said they had no idea they were on a flood plain until the mapping project started and some were concerned about property values. Local real estate expert Brad Nelson says in most cases it shouldn’t impact property values. “I would not expect to see an impact on market value.” Nelson told Kawartha 411. “In sensitive areas there are always questions with respect to what an owner is able do on/with the land, such as septic replacement, additions or new construction. Working local professional such as builders, lawyers and Realtors along with accurate current data enables buyers and sellers to make informed decisions in a more timely manner.” Nelson is a broker at Coldwell Banker in Bobcaygeon.
Warne explained it like this. “Essentially if you were buying a home most likely the real estate agent or lawyer would contact us and we would let them know this area is in a flood plain area or in a wetland area and development potential may not be possible.” Warne told the crowd. “Or there may be other solutions if you do wish to build there are different opportunities, there are cut and fill opportunities that still meet the policies, if there are instances where its a minor variation it still has to go before the board.”
The board consists of nine people, all elected officials from each of the watershed areas used by Kawartha Conservation.
“We are very frustrated” Mari Bryans says.  “We both have families here, my family goes back 6 generations in Lindsay, Ed’s 5 or 6, we wanted to build a business here, with the tourism numbers based on the Kampgrounds Of America industry, based on the cost per night and how much money you make, we would be bringing in a million dollars a year in tourism money to the City of Kawartha Lakes, but we’re not wanted here.” Kampgrounds of America is the world’s largest system of privately held campgrounds with almost 500 locations across US and Canada.
The property is up now for sale and is zoned usable for Landscaping business, a Restaurant, take out restaurant, mini golf, driving range and to build a house. Amending the C2 zoning to include any other highway commercial business is also possible.
Not all residents were unhappy with the plan, some said they understood the need to be cautious.
At this point it is a draft plan only and is expected to be presented to council soon.
