MANITOUWADGE -- An open house will be taking place on Sept. 8 between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. to discuss the long-term future of Manitouwadge, outlined in the Draft New Official Plan, and public meetings to discuss and adopt the Draft Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw will follow on Sept. 22.
The Township of Manitouwadge, in partnership with the Superior Consulting team, are presenting an official long-range plan for the next 25 years. The existing plan, which was adopted in 1986, needs to be updated to reflect current provincial policies and modern public preferences.
Although there has been very little growth of population in Manitouwadge, global trends suggest an increase in mining activity, which may lead to an increase in residents in the future. Other trends, such as environmental issues and the rising interest in mineral and food security, as well as an aging population, needed to be addressed in the new plan.
The ‘Background Study & Comprehensive Review’ document found on the ‘My Manitouwadge’ website is an interesting read; an interesting read: it outlines the history of the town, the industries which sustain it, and the geography of the area. It includes details from the 1986 Official plan, which included the population forecast (5,232 by the year 2011), and plans for the housing developments to be created by infilling the existing spaces in town.
The new Official Plan will need several key updates to conform to the provincial and local policies, and address current economic and demographic conditions, including such issues as infrastructure, affordable housing, and conservation of cultural, historical, archaeological or scientific interest, as well as the orderly development of a safe and healthy community. Even the language needed to be updated, as it has gone through significant changes since 1986.
This new plan would ensure residential, commercial and industrial lots, including waterfront crown land, will be made available for development, that there will be a good mix of services and facilities for all ages, and that the community will be clean and accessible to everyone.
The document goes on to describe some of the setbacks and challenges the community faces; for instance, the lack of services and recreational activities, few job opportunities for high school graduates, and high property taxes and poor road maintenance. Some of the components relevant to the official plan policies include improvements to pedestrian and vehicular safety, event programming, and outdoor event space. Solutions to some of these issues have already been put in place through the Community Improvement Program, which include grants to improve or beautify commercial and residential properties.
There are other components, relevant to the official plan policies, which include accessibility and connectivity of the local trail systems (pedestrian, motorized and water) and accessibility to various destinations, including the waterfalls and rapids. Tourism infrastructure, mining, agricultural and economic diversification are also addressed throughout the document.
The open house, which is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8 between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the Township of Manitouwadge Council Chambers, is open to everyone. Two weeks later, two meetings will occur concurrently to discuss and adopt the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. Deadline for comments on both documents is Sept. 15, 2022, and can be sent to Joleen Keough at clerk@manitouwadge.ca.
You can find more information and links to all the relevant documents here: https://mymanitouwadge.ca/draft-official-plan-and-comprehensive-zoning-bylaw
Remember, knowledge is power. It is important for all residents to be informed about, and participate in the future development of the town you call home.