Algonquin Highlands needs more information before it decides whether or not to sell some land.
Steve Mai, a long time resident of Algonquin Highlands, met with council today wondering if it would be possible for him to buy a piece property across from his current lot on Kawagama Lake.
Mai explained that both he and the Official Planner, Sean O’Callaghan, were unaware who owned the land at first. Mai said that he had done some digging and found the land was owned by the township after all.
During his presentation, Mai explained that he was aware to go between the properties he and others would need to walk along Kawagama Lake Road, which has a posted speed limit of 60 KM/H, but he pointed out that the road is a posted portage route so he felt that if canoers can walk along the road so could he.
O’Callaghan and several council members raised their concern over the idea of pedestrian traffic walking along the road, adding that there is a municipal liability if they allow that and someone gets hurt.
Another concern that O’Callaghan raised, was the fact the subject land is in close proximity to a boat launch and a dry hydrant, meaning there could be a conflict between the use of the new property and those things.
Mayor Carol Moffatt suggested that perhaps the council defer making a decision on whether or not to allow the sale of the lot. She pointed out that multiple councillors including herself misunderstood where the hydrant and boat launch was, saying that “it would be unfair to decide” with that level of misinformation.
Council decided the best course of action is to have the matter come back to council with further information from the Parks Department about the portage route, and the Fire Department on the impact it might have on accessing the hydrant.