Discussion 54 of 365;

Yesterday evening, I attended the open house hosted by the Twin Creeks Developers.

The attached story boards were posted in the room. They show the details they plan on moving forward with.

Not surprisingly, I understand there was pretty good attendance at this open house.

To everyone living in areas affected by this, you are not alone. There is already a group of homeowners in the Marlwood area that have been fighting these types of plans for years. At times they have felt isolated. Many have been banned from golfing at Marlwood or attending events there. It’s an ugly situation.

I personally experienced an interesting observation … one of those present tonight who was working with the developers said, “Marlwood will soon be completely developed”. So, that will mean a completely changed recreational environment for our ENTIRE community and a massive economic impact to hundreds and hundreds of private property owners AT BOTH ENDS OF TOWN.

Oh, a few developers will be ok though. (And their associates)

To those living on ANY other golf courses, pinch yourself if you think your investments are safe. In future years, any space big enough to host a road will become an infill opportunity.

ITS NOT JUST GOLF COURSES! It’s entirely possible that a Municipality could declare a playground surplus and sell it to a developer for two houses. Just think of the added taxes that could bring the town? THAT IS THE CURRENT THINKING WITH SOME LANDS BEING DECLARED SURPLUS.

I think it is disgusting that ANY person should be put in a situation where they invest in a home where they pay a premium because it is on a golf course, then that benefit is removed.

This NEEDS to be stopped at the Municipal or even the Provincial level.

Whether it is Zoning or legislative changes to the Planning Act, this practice of converting golf courses into additional houses has to stop.

The ONLY thing that would change my mind would be a situation where developers were forced to compensate ALL property owners affected by these neighborhood re-designs. Say a million each owner directly adjoining? Half a million for all properties experiencing additional traffic loads, etc..

It was MANY years ago when Marlwood Residents started their fight. But NOW, it’s time for EVERYONE to start paying attention.

Ask your current Council members their opinions on ALL modifications to these important recreational properties. Ask your MPP if this is what the Province considers “infilling”.

For those who have followed this since Jan 1, please go back and review discussion 7. STARTING TO ALL MAKE SENSE?

I suspect several of our existing Council members know who they will support, they are just struggling with how to explain that to the voting public.

Brian Smith had an opportunity to have the Town purchase Marlwood weeks before his friend bought it, but that never happened. I wonder why?

I wonder what his “public” opinion will be when the zoning changes for Twin Creeks come to his attention. What about when the new expanded Marlwood Plans come forward? Let me guess…. “It is out of our hands.” I can hear it now.

Listen to community organizers who reach out and ORGANIZE!

Better yet….. BECOME ONE OF THE ORGANIZERS EVERYONE LISTENS TO.