Comments re: 2706913 Ontario…

Comments re: 2706913 Ontario Inc.- Permit to take water
ERO number - 019-5018
Ministry reference number - 4443-CB933U

We finally received a copy of the Geotechnical Investigation, 6 months after a Freedom of Information request and a year after the study was done. As was the case with the Hydrogeological Assessment, it was based on the original site not the revised location, which is very different and much closer to roads and residences. This study needs to be redone at the correct location.

I do not believe this study was attached to the application so I will try to attach a copy. I’m not sure if it was because you didn’t require it or if they preferred you not to have a copy in case in negatively affected your decision. The report is detailed and complex and well beyond my comprehension. There should have been some kind of public consultation or information session to explain the de-watering and the information in both the Hydrogeological Assessment and the Geotechnical Investigation to the public and especially residents whose homes border this development.

We have a beautiful natural beach. When we hear terms like contaminated soil, sink holes, potential for loss of ground, and seepage, we see red flags and feel that an environmental assessment should be mandatory before proceeding with this development.

A document called “HEALTHY SHORELINE HEALTHY YOU! A guide for sustainable shoreline properties in the Town of Saugeen Shore” states:

The bulk of the sand that makes up the beaches in Saugeen Shores is relic material. That means it was deposited by waves and winds in historical times and is an irreplaceable, non-renewable resource

When they rebuilt the public washrooms on the beach, a senior staff member of Saugeen Shores stressed how important it was to retain this relic sand. I assume this is the Native sand mentioned in the Geotechnical Investigation that is deemed unsuitable and must be sub excavated. It doesn’t appear as if any importance is being placed on this sand that is environmentally and historically significant.

The road between this development and residential homes, I assume houses the sewer system and waterlines that currently service the homes and to which the development plans to connect. I am concerned that once they start excavating the entire road could cave in leaving residents without access and services. (I do not live in this area.)

The public was told that they would require fill to raise the building 1.5m. When we asked what type of fill, we were told they didn’t know. The incomplete application to Saugeen Valley Conservation said fill but again they didn’t say what type. After reading the Geotechnical Investigation, it appears a lot more fill will be used then just the amount to raise the level and they clearly had the information last February as to what type of fill was recommended. Another case of lack of transparency, deceit and misinformation by the investors and the Town of Saugeen Shores.

The investors/developers have no experience with this type of development. This is probably a one and only project for them. Their lack of experience is a concern as is the lack of concern for the environment and our beach. The plan they submitted to you does not provide any details and does not confirm they will follow the recommendations outlined in the reports. It does not show they truly understand the complexity of this project. Recommendations such as “Sediment control measures must be installed at the discharge point of the de-watering system to avoid any potential adverse impacts on the environment” have not been included in their plan and therefore we don’t know if they will follow through, especially if they can save money.

With no detailed site plan available (at least not one we have been told about), Hydrogeological Assessment and the Geotechnical Investigation that were done on the wrong location, lack of information to the public, lack of a detailed plan for dewatering and excavating, no environmental assessment and lack of experience, I do not feel it would be responsible to grant a permit at this time.