Wandering

West Lake resort looking to grow

Wander the Resort is looking to expand, adding a spa and event venue to complement the ten cabins already on the property located just east of Wellington on West Lake. The County’s Planning Committee approved the resort’s plan last week.

The property is currently designated Shore Land, and Loyalist Parkway, on which Wander is located, is identified as a Tourism Corridor in the Official Plan. The lands are zoned Special Tourist Commercial, which permits a tourist establishment consisting of a maximum of 18 tourist cabins as the only non-residential use. The property currently consists of 10 cabins, with a separate main clubhouse that includes a bar, offices, and required maintenance facilities.

Most of those attending the meeting expressed support, but some wanted more information about noise controls, as well as water and sewage plans.

David Little, a property owner directly beside Wander, said the resort has been a good neighbour, but he worries about garbage attracting rodents and the potential for rowdy wedding celebrations into the wee hours of the morning.

“Wander is a high-quality resort that seems to be very well managed, and all our interactions with the staff have been great,” said Little. “Of course, as the property develops, the opportunities, challenges, issues and confrontations increase. It’s important for us to get assurance that I can still switch on my tap to have a shower or drink the water.”

A concept of the eight new cabins to be built on the property.

Little worries about noise and disruption in the neighbourhood.

“As the site has developed, so has the garbage,” said Little. “There are several dumpsters and garbage piles and a large pile of construction rubble that has appeared right along my property line.”

Phil Brawley lives with his wife close to Wander in a small cottage his parents built more than 60 years ago. They worry about noise from wedding events at the resort.

“Our biggest concerns are noise,” said Brawley. “It’s a beautiful site, and it’s been perfect all along, really enjoyable, but I am terrified of weddings and parties. Has anybody been to a wedding where it’s gone quiet after 11 o’clock?”

Brawley pointed to the noise issues that arose when Fields on West Lake was operated as a wedding venue.

“We are in a little cottage,” said Brawley. “I have my kids there. I have my grandkids there. I want to pass it onto them, but if there is noise, it ruins the whole atmosphere.”

Staff are recommending a capacity limit of 248 people and a minimum of 62 parking spaces on site.

A holding symbol (H) will also be applied to the property to address servicing requirements.

Councillor John Hirsch said he was confident staff will work with the applicant to ensure the neighbours’ needs are satisfied.

“I think staff are going to make sure we don’t have another Lakeside Motel situation, which we are all familiar with, and which is still not fully resolved,” said Hirsch.

Staff confirmed the property expansion will proceed under site plan control.