1. Are you satisfied with the current vision or would you like to see changes?

My sense is that through its planning framework, Seguin will need to confront the challenges, embrace the opportunities, and capitalize on the assets that will allow it continually grow and prosper. It needs to set a vision for the future for how it can develop in a dynamic and sustainable way, through a number of lenses – socially, culturally, economically, physically, recreationally, and environmentally.

Truth be told, the vision could use a bit more punch with something that has a narrative, has value-based statements and is a bit more forward thinking, i.e. where does Seguin see itself now and what is its vision for the future?

2. Should the scope and size of the vision be simplified?

Elaborating on the above, a short vision statement which sets out an objective, how the municipality defines itself, its image, reputation, its sense of community, economic aspirations, environmental, cultural, quality of life statements and other considerations in upholding the public interest, would make for a solid statement, etc.

3. What attributes about Seguin contribute to its unique character and quality of life? What makes Seguin a great place to live, work, play, and travel to?

Certainly, from a cottager’s perspective we highly value the natural setting, the serene and peaceful qualities of our lake, our curious but respectful interaction with wildlife, the purity of the air, the change in seasons, the colour, texture and the remarkable landscape set within the rocky outcrops of the Canadian Shield. Together with our cottage neighbours, we see this as something we must respect, uphold and cherish, acting as stewards to safeguard these very special qualities.

Also, many of us come to Seguin for a reason, to escape the intensity and hectic life of the city. It is our Zen, our place to relax, unwind and our true connection to nature. This experience needs to be recognized in the OP update and protected through applicable interventions and measures related to land use planning, regulation and the quality of life in Seguin.

Also, we do see ourselves as an integral part of the larger community, supporting local businesses, tourism, economic development, cultural uses, recreation and contributing to the tax base. More importantly, we appreciate how the community supports us in exchange, and makes our seasonal stay enjoyable and pleasant. In many ways it’s a special collaboration and synergy that’s unique to Seguin and other areas in Muskoka.

4. Are there any changes you would like to see regarding the goals and objectives related to natural environment, waterfront areas, growth and settlement, settlement areas, rural/resource areas, cultural heritage, economic development, services and transportation, energy conservation, and mineral and aggregate resources?

I would also like to raise the importance of ‘safety’ as language that should be included in the Official Plan and as an underlying theme that should be fully articulated and identified throughout.

Many organizations, public agencies and municipalities are jumping on the band-wagon to include safety in their policy language and operational mandates given certain incidents, occurrences and issues they are witnessing concerning injury, loss of life and the potential for accidents just waiting to happen. Even so much as recognizing the current state of affairs concerning COVID19 and the design of towns, cities and other places. I note a few examples below:

o Cyclists on Roads – How can Seguin better accommodate cyclists as a recreational activity and mode of transport alongside vehicular traffic on some of its key routes and roads to make everyone feel safe? As it stands, the roads are not exactly sharable and would need some rethinking of cross section design, signage, dedicated space, lanes, charrow,s etc.

o Large Boats, Jet Skis and Speeding – Large watercraft and jet skis speeding above reasonable limits on small lakes causing huge wakes where young children are swimming - how to regulate this so that children and vulnerable folks aren’t pulled under the water and feel safe? There have also been some very tragic accidents and loss of life entailing boating accidents and Jet Skis - how can we find the right balance through a lens of safety?

o Speeding on Roads – Vehicular speeding above and way beyond the posted limit proliferates in Seguin. Add to this tailgating and road bullying that ‘safe’ drivers often encounter. For the driver who is obeying traffic rules, this can cause anxiety, grief and even panic in dealing with the tailgater who wants to drive at drag race speed. This can lead to accidents – ditching, spinning out, hitting oncoming traffic and even striking wildlife – hit a moose at anything over 60 km/hr and you’re toast! How can Seguin better design its roads and speed limits so that traffic obeying drivers feel safer?

o Discharging Firearms in Places That Don’t Make Sense - Believe it or not, it not clear why some folks feel it is appropriate to set up target shooting practices in their back yards and discharge guns within close proximity to where others reside and/or dwell, whether it be an adjacent cottage or residence, or hydro corridors and/or unopened concession road allowances.

Provincial laws and Federal regulations are completely silent on where one can shoot from in terms of measured distances. In the name of safety, it would be progressive for Seguin Township to take some leadership, leverage its power (as enabled by the Municipal Act) and address the gap. It would be helpful for the official plan to recognize those areas, communities and types of properties (related to size and area, proximity to either seasonal cottage and/or permanent residential dwellings) where it is not appropriate for this type of activity, prioritizing the safety of people and its residents. Doing this would bring Seguin in line with the actions that other surrounding local municipalities have undertaken from a regulatory perspective.

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In addition to the existing vision we need to make Seguin friendlier to investors, developers and innovative housing and commercial projects in all of our areas. Also let’s not forget about the importance of tourism based businesses and investment to the healthy economic growth we need.