Editor:
I am writing concerning the current development being planned for Mansfield Ski Club. My wife, Sara, and I own a chalet that is located directly beneath the planned 12 townhomes, the first stage of this 93-unit expansion.
Our family’s was one of the first chalets to be built in the Pine River Circle and in the area. It was built in 1965. My wife and her family have been skiing at Mansfield since that time and coming up regularly from the Hamilton area to enjoy the wonderful rural life of Mulmur Township. I joined the family in 1988 and have been enjoying the lifestyle in the region since then.
We enjoy what we have at Mansfield and all the wonderful people we have met at the club and throughout the region. We are spending more time here as we age and make a point of supporting local shops and restaurants.
We are also very strong supporters of the ski club and the staff and volunteers that manage the club. They do a great job in preparing the ski hills and the other amenities each week during the winter. We also recognize the challenges that the club faces, funding of the operation in a difficult market, changing weather patterns, and now the pandemic.
However, we do not believe that Mansfield Property Management (MPM) or the board of the club have done an adequate job of communicating plans for a 93-unit expansion to the residents in the area. Based on various emails and letters we have read it would appear the community feels the same.
As well we have very serious concerns about the impact of water run off from this future development, particularly in the spring and when there is a major rainstorm. Our chalet has regularly experienced damage from water coming down the hill behind our home. In the winter it floods the roadway and makes it quite dangerous for both skiers and automobiles. Will the construction make this worse?
Our chalet is on a well and we rely on that well to supply our water. Will this development impact our water table and specifically the amount and quality of our well water?
Another concern is wastewater. Will the new development create a problem for the wastewater systems in the area? 93 units will bring a number of people to a relatively small geographic area and create considerable waste. Can the area sustain this?
One of the many joys of spending time at Mansfield is the surroundings – the trees, the birds, the changing of the seasons and the great people that live in the area. We continue to see deer, fox and yes, the odd coyote. We really enjoy the solitude and to be frank, we want to maintain it. Our concern is that the construction of these units will negatively impact all of this. The development is far too large for the area and will fundamentally change the way of life so many of us currently enjoy.
We recognize the club must continue to grow and look for new ways to increase revenues. While this development is one option are there others to be considered? Do you feel this development is aligned to the township’s vision as outlined below? I don’t believe that a development like the one proposed is sustainable in the area that is being considered. Do we really want to be another Blue Mountain or a Whistler at Mansfield?
Mulmur’s vision statement: The Township is committed to sustainable growth while protecting the environment, scenic beauty, natural resources and agriculture and rural and community character of the township. The township wishes to be a highly desirable, safe, prosperous, beautiful and natural community to live, work, learn and play.
We would ask council, please, before approving any further actions, review the plans submitted by Mansfield Ski Club.
Bill Laidlaw,
Mulmur.