Proposed South Brookfield Cottage Development. Photo – Google Maps

A new eight-unit rental development proposed for South Brookfield cleared the first hurdle to construction at Region of Queens Council.

Developers Jasmine and Matthew Mallay are planning to build eight fixed roof accommodations and an accessory building on First Christopher Lake on 19 acres of land along Highway 8. The property is less than a kilometre from Cameron’s Brook Provincial Park.

The new development is not permitted under the current Lakeshore Residential zoning unless council enters into a development agreement with the owners.

In their submission to the municipality the Mallays say if their request is approved construction will go ahead in three phases.

The first phase would build four 400 square foot buildings with hot tubs and covered porches.

Phase two will erect a larger 1800-2500 square foot three-bedroom lakefront cottage and 1080 square foot garage.

The third phase will complete the development with three more, two-bedroom cottages approximately 900-1200 square feet in size.

The Mallays says the intent of the project is to create an experience where people could enjoy nature, kayaking, swimming, and other activities with the added comfort of luxury overnight accommodations. They place a high priority on maintaining the natural look of the property and continuing to provide strong habitat for the existing ecosystem.

Mayor Darlene Norman says the development seems like a good thing for the area.

“I do not see where this is going to have any direct effect on anyone,” said Norman. “It’s remote, it’s removed, so hopefully by the end of the year the permission will be granted and the couple that own the land will be able to move ahead on their construction.”

Council voted to approve the motion to enter into a Development Agreement.

A public hearing is scheduled for November 28 and any residents who wish to speak for or against the project will be heard at that time.

To hear the broadcast of this story click play below.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com

Region of Queens administration building. Photo Ed Halverson

Region of Queens council packed a light agenda as they took their meeting on the road this week.

Residents took the opportunity to ask questions of council during the public comment and question portion of the meeting held in the Seaside Centre. The first was a request to repave or repair a section of School St. in Milton prior to the winter of 2023. The second was to ask if council were aware of a home being built on eagle head placing large rocks to prevent the ocean overflowing their property.

Mayor Darlene Norman says School St. is maintained jointly by the province and the municipality and any work would have to go out to tender. She says the province has already allocated their shared road repair budget for this year and it would be unlikely a tender would come back in time to complete the work before this winter.

Regarding the large rocks being placed on the eagle head property Norman says that responsibility also falls to the province.

The lone recommendation was a request to approve fixed roof overnight accommodation in south Brookfield. The petitioners Jasmine and Matthew Mallay want to build a collection of cottage rentals on 19 acres of property which requires a development agreement between the owners and the municipality.

The property is close to Cameron’s Brook provincial day park and Norman expects a development like this in a remote area would be welcome.

“People need to get out in nature,” said Norman. “Everybody’s not camper, everybody doesn’t go to provincial parks or national parks. Some people just like to get out in nature and have the comfort of a fixed roof and a bed.”

Council approved the development agreement and schedule a public hearing for November 28th in council chambers for residents to weigh in.

Next council discussed appointments to the planning advisory committee. Three member’s terms expired and all three wished to remain on PAC. Council reappointed the committee members but directed staff to examine the policy to determine if longer terms or term limits would be appropriate.

Finally, council discussed sending a letter of support to Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr for a bill currently working its way through the legislature which updates interactions between the province and municipalities across Nova Scotia.

Norman says the new deal would put $400,000 back in the Region of Queens coffers representing four cents on the tax rate.

The next Region of Queens council meeting is scheduled for November 14th at 9:00 AM in council chambers.

To hear the full interview with Mayor Norman click play below.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com