I’m a community member near the Grand Tappattoo Resort hoping it can survive and thrive with more sustainable and affordable homes in rural areas. The area needs more year-round local residential life to enjoy the restaurant and public facilities, to work there, and make the Resort and other local services viable (think Café, Corner Store, Gym). More residential catchment will provide more economic opportunities and services for the enjoyment of both seasonal and year-round residents. Without residential catchment within walking, or easy commute distance, I’m afraid sustainable rural life cannot survive, and we are doomed to ghost communities in Parry Sound visited by the wealthy on holidays. I wish that the corner store could come back with ice cream and poutine for the kids and old folks. And maybe a local gym to pop into to supplement the walk and bike ride up and down Otter Creek Road (especially during the winter).

What changes in the Official Plan can we make to allow residential lots in vacant rural land to provide more economic opportunities and services to create sustainable communities for locals living 10min outside of Parry Sound?