Grey Highlands’ Council has unanimously approved a bylaw authorizing the sale of the Municipally-owned lands in the Beaver Valley to Westway Capital with a recorded vote at their February 2nd Council meeting. However, a group of citizens is challenging the decision.
In a media release, Mayor Paul McQueen said they are excited about Westway Capital’s commitment to developing the significant lands in a way that reflects the community vision for the entire Beaver Valley corridor. A media release says Westway understands the impact and sensitivity of the lands and is committed to collaborating with the community to create something special that reflects the beauty and value of the property.
McQueen says the sale will provide the ability to reinvest the proceeds for the direct benefit of all residents across the entire 882 kilometres of the Municipality.
Meantime, a website called ProtectTalisman.ca says the sale was made despite the overwhelming community opposition. The group hopes to preserve the land through the courts, and on February 9th the Ontario Superior Court will hear an emergency motion to reverse the by-law.
The group says the 75-acre golf course portion sold for $1 million and the 59-acre upper agricultural lands sold for $1.5 million. Protecttalisman says that is well below market value. The middle portion, with the resort, is in private hands and is undergoing reasonable redevelopment. The group also says the Municipality has made no effort to protect farmland at the top of the hill or public access for the Bruce Trail and snowmobiles nor ensure affordable housing – condos and mansions rather than farming and hiking.
