Half Moon Point

Developer eyes lands for luxury resort

Avery loose concept for a resort development at Half Moon Point was presented to Committee of the Whole last Thursday. Eric Harari, owner of Bel Air Resort and Residences, who has been involved in the real estate industry for the past 25 years with commercial and residential projects in Paris, Miami, the Bahamas, and Mont- Tremblant, presented his concept, telling council that he fell in love with the area when he first visited this past summer. “I fell in love at first sight. I’m passionate about things and I really loved your region to be rural, and for its agricultural approach. It’s fantastic. As soon as I went there I put the property under contract the day after,” said Harari.

The development concept includes a mixed use property, featuring a hotel, spa, grocery store, recreational facilities and 119 units, including 42 single-family homes with stunning views of Half Moon Bay, along with 75 rental pods. “I fell in love with the beauty of the land and wanted to create something that was very different. And more importantly, I wanted to integrate with local nature. I believe people want to connect with nature,” said Harari, who noted his project in Mount Tremblant is the best selling project in Quebec. “This is a lowdensity project. We had to adapt the concept to make it more luxurious for PEC,” he stated.

Guillame Gilbert of Apur Creative is a partner in the project, and spoke to the different areas of the development. “We have a sensitivity to do a resort development nestled in nature. This is our forte,” said Gilbert, noting this a preliminary concept that will evolve once future studies are complete. The project includes four different zones of development with specific land uses. There is a residential development situated on the shoreline. A resort and lodging zone with reception area, restaurant and bar as well as a beach and marina for public access. The western region is farmland dedicated to agriculture such as small farm market and agro tourism. And lastly, there is a recreational area, including tennis courts and a spa for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Councillor Stewart Bailey wanted to make it clear that the lands are sensitive. “The area you intend to build in is a very beautiful place, and it would be a shame to see it damaged in any way. It is an environmentally sensitive area and I would certainly hope that is something that would be considered,” said Bailey, who then asked if Harari owns the land. Harari explained that the land is not yet owned by him “We are under contract until January 6. We don’t own the land yet,” said Harari.

Councillor Mike Harper asked if Harari had been following some of the other proposed developments in the County “Have you been following some of the developments here? We have a draft official plan. Have you considered that?” he asked. Harari told Harper that they are basing the development on the current official plan that is currently in force.

Councillor Bill Roberts had done his research about the Mount Tremblant project, and wanted to know if the same work was being put into this new concept. “My understanding is the Mount Tremblant project took nine long years of negotiation for various permits and permissions to get shovels in the ground. During that time you undertook a marketing study to reassure yourself and your investors. Have you done the same thing for this project?” Harari told council he was sure the project would work here. “Everyone told me I was crazy. Over and over again. However, I have felt from the get-go that this is bulletproof. I know there is a need in your region. I tried to visit twice. I had to stay in Kingston, and the next time I was able to get one night at the Drake. You have a jewel there, and I don’t think I need a marketing study to do this. I’m just working with my money. I am 110 thousand per cent sure this will work. This magic will work here. No doubt,” said Harari. Roberts then asked how Bel Air has cared for and adressed the environment and wildlife in past projects. “The whole aspect is not to destroy it. It’s to work with it to preserve it as much as we can,” answered Harari. Councillor Bailey told Harari he had received a number of phone calls from local residents. “I’m wondering if you had a chance to speak to the people who live in the area. They had never heard of this until they saw it as an agenda item,” said Bailey. Harari explained he had not spoken to local residents, as he thought it was important to get the concept in front of council first. “We knew that it was important to present this to you first. We have been so tight in timing because of COVID to just create the concept. We felt this should be agreeable to you all. I don’t want to fight with anybody. If this is something you guys don’t want to do, then it won’t happen, because I don’t want to fight. The public needs to want it as well.”

Comments from the South Shore Joint Initiative, PEC Field Naturalists, and others, stated clearly, they want council to stop the development before it moves any further. Cheryl Anderson, speaking on behalf of SSJI and PEPTBO told council that the area is an important bird and biodiversity area.

“Half Moon Point is in the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory is the caretaker of the IBA. As such we carry out annual eastern whip-poor-will surveys, waterfowl surveys, regular birding surveys, breeding bird surveys and Christmas Bird Counts in the area of Half Moon Point and throughout the IBA. Our work indicates that the entire south shore area is important to migrating birds and species at risk. Insectivores, such as the whippoor- will and the several swallow species that forage and nest in the cliff faces are in particular danger and their habitat must be protected. It is important to protect and preserve the important natural habitat, both land- and lake-based of all these avian species—some of whom are in danger of extirpation. In our view the Half Moon Point development would seriously impact and endanger the many avian and other species that live in, breed in and forage in that habitat,” said Anderson, who also noted that the wetland and pond are documented Blanding’s turtle habitat. “I believe this is a blatant attempt to get your approval before the new Official Plan comes into effect,” said Anderson.

Gerry Jenkison of the PEC Field Naturalists told council that a project such as this is exactly what the new draft Official Plan will address. “Protecting the County’s natural heritage and natural core areas from development such as a Bel Air Resort is exactly why the County is enacting a new Official Plan,” said Jenkison. “This project is the direct opposite of the County’s vision for our future. We must protect the last remaining natural heritage on the north shore of Lake Ontario. For residents and visitors and as critical wildlife habitat.”

South Marysburgh resident Gord Gibbins then reminded council that this was the same area of a development proposed in 2008 by former mayor James Taylor and Brad Warren, of Cushman and Wakefield LePage Inc., called “Port Royal”, which was abandoned, following immediate opposition by more than 300 people.

Harari is hoping to have a planning application and zoning bylaw amendment to staff by November 17, followed by a draft plan of subdivision.