The downside of spot development permits

RV park proposal would be overwhelming for Big Pond

A spot development permit is a device used to get land use bylaws changed when the existing ones do not permit a desired development.

For developers, it is a very useful device because it enables a project to go ahead in spite of existing regulations.

However, for residents there is often a downside. Spot development permits can destroy the character and the peace and enjoyment of individual properties, neighborhoods and communities.

A good example is a current request for a permit to build a huge recreational vehicle (RV) park in Big Pond. The proposal includes spaces for approximately 541 RV sites and 64 tenting sites. This could accommodate over 600 vehicles and close to 3,000 people at any one time. The impact would be overwhelming for a small rural community.

For many years, projects have been under way to preserve the ecology and integrity of the Bras d’Or Lake, the coastline and adjoining lands. This development would undermine all of these past efforts. It would create an inappropriate population density in a small area. Such a large concentration of people would cause traffic problems, pollution of the lake, possible damage to the water table, a transient population, garbage, noise and all-night parties, and the real possibility of crime.

It could lower property values and result in a loss of tax revenue for the CBRM. It could also deter residential growth in the area. Worst of all it would destroy the character, heritage, and the peace and enjoyment of the residents.

A recent poll named the Bras d’Or Lake as the number one cottage country in Canada. Seasonal residents come from all over Canada and even the United States. This is the base that we should be building on rather than putting up huge projects that are out of place and would undermine all those attributes that make the area home for permanent and seasonal residents and a magnate for tourists and vacationers.

In recent years there have been new homes built for new permanent residents, new cottages built and existing ones upgraded. The tourist trade is increasing due to the golf course, marina, the ski hill and events. This is development that compliments the character and heritage of the area rather than destroying it.

This is not just a local issue, but one that could affect all citizens of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). Approval of an enormous development such as this in a small community would set a precedent that will attract other requests for inappropriate spot development permits. No neighbourhood or community is safe. Any developer could buy up homes or properties and then ask council to change the building regulations to accommodate something that is totally out of place.

The RV proposal for Big Pond is the type of issue where the CBRM mayor and councilors have an opportunity to show that they are there to protect the well-being and carry out the will of the citizens they represent.

It is equally important for citizens to voice your opinion on the importance of working with existing regulations that were designed to give stability to neighbourhoods and protect their integrity and character.

If you do not voice your opposition to this type of development your community or neighborhood could be the next victim.

“… CBRM mayor and councilors have an opportunity to show that they are there to protect the well-being and carry out the will of the citizens they represent.”