‘Star Trek’ design has Muskoka cottagers up in arms
They say building doesn’t fit character of cottage country
GRAVENHURST — Some Muskoka Lake cottagers in Gravenhurst are not pleased with a “Star Trek” home design.
A recent town planning council meeting was attended by residents opposing a proposed application on Lake Muskoka. Due to its contemporary design the development has been likened to the Star Trek Enterprise by neighbours.
The space ship sleek white design of the dwelling is causing controversy mainly because it lacks traditional Muskoka character. Eighteen letters of objection have been received by town staff outlining concerns of character, scale, impact on views, materials used in design, major variations to bylaws, dark sky compliance, increase in boat traffic, and use of the property as an Airbnb.
Greg Corbett of Planscape spoke on behalf of the applicants at the meeting. He said the owner has had the property since 2009 and, though it is permitted to have multiple residences, the owner plans just one residence.
It should also be noted that it is located within the urban centre, and the urban shoreline residential area, so the uses there are low density residential,” he said. “It’s not the waterfront area, it is within the urban centre so there it does allow for some modifications.” .
Corbett also added the project will fully comply with the dark sky bylaw, zoning requirements, height and size requirements
“With regards to design it is quite subjective, what is a good design, what is a bad design. Although we often use Muskoka character, I would say no one specific thing is Muskoka character, it’s all subjective in nature, it’s all a matter of opinion,” he said.
Geoffrey and Marie Claire Roche have owned an island cottage for the past 20 years within the proximity of the proposed development on Lake Muskoka. The Roches were one of the delegates at the meeting and had blown up pictures of the design to present to council. They called it “an embarrassment” because the architecture is not appropriate for this part of the country.
Karim Creater owns Driftwood island which sits directly across from the proposed development. He said “it offends me” that someone would propose a building that does not respect someone else’s view in that area, which is what he did seven years ago when he built a compound on the island.
Councillors agreed to defer the matter for further consultation. Councillor Paul Kelly suggested that perhaps the property owner should speak with neighbours.