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The Sans Souci and Copperhead Association (SSCA), founded in 1912, is located on Canada’s beautiful Georgian Bay between Parry Sound and Twelve Mile Bay. It is a vibrant community of permanent and summer residents from all over the world that enjoy this special part of the Bay and want to preserve it for future generations.
Its a new year and your annual membership dues are now due.
Update from SSCA President Glen Campbell: Link to architectural drawings for the New Community Centre and Docks: SSCA New Build Drawings October 2024 The SSCA dock expansion and relocation is under way. A new steel-framed ramp base is being constructed at the north end of the cribs (in front of the monuments), a new ramp will be installed, the existing docks will be moved to this location, and two new floating docks will be added, connecting the ramp to the other docks. This work, along with demolition of the boathouse and the north cribs and walkways, is planned to be completed this fall. This will enable safe access to the property when the new building is under construction. This project is being carried out by Baywise Construction, paid for by the Dock Fund, to which SSCA and the Sans Souci Tennis Club contribute equally. The new building has been put out to tender to contractors, following receipt of the construction drawings from designer Ray Murakami and architect Lorne Rose on October 4. These drawings are on our website. There are minimal changes from the preliminary design finalized in April. The building will include a covered pavilion (1,250 square feet) and a front deck (1,000 square feet) on the same level as the building (1,250 square feet) and connected by a ramp to our new dock ramp. The building will include a library/lounge (18'X25'), kitchen (with a serving window to the pavilion), three bathrooms (including one universal bathroom) and a storage room. We have asked for contractor proposals by November 4, with construction to start next year. We are planning for playground and fitness facilities that will be core elements of our community centre, thanks to substantial directed donations from our community. We have an ideal location for the playground area between the new pavilion and the schoolhouse: it's level, shady, convenient and safe. For fitness, we have multiple possibilities, which we will be reviewing over the winter, with input from our members. Let me know if you would like to be part of this planning team. Many thanks to our members and volunteers who have generously supported this project. We continue to receive donations and pledges, which will be directed towards fixtures, furnishings and equipment, and to the restoration of our site after construction is done. A special thanks to Laura Hay, who organized the very successful August fundraiser, which raised more than $25,000 for this project.
INTRODUCTION
At the end of May, following an initial round of public consultations, the Township posted its revised proposed site alteration and tree preservation bylaws on its website: https://www.thearchipelago.on.ca/p/site-alteration-
Follow-up public consultation meetings have now been scheduled for 2-4pm on August 13 (an in-person meeting at Pointe-au-Baril Community Centre) and for 6-8pm on August 22 (Zoom meeting). You must register on the Township website to participate.
The bylaws prohibit site alteration (blasting, removing or importing fill, etc.) and the removal of any naturally-occurring vegetation (now only within 7.5 metres of the shore), with certain exceptions, unless the Township grants an exemption. In areas more than 7.5 metres from shore, the tree preservation bylaw now prohibits only “clear cutting”. As before, if a landowner wants an exception beyond the ones listed, there is a formal application process for exemptions, but now applications are made to a Township official, not directly to Council. Violators would be subject to fines, stop-work orders and/or remediation orders.
KEY OBSERVATIONS
The original draft site alteration bylaw raised few concerns in the original consultation round and has been streamlined further. This bylaw will not impact landowners except during construction and even then in relatively few circumstances. It should be easy and inexpensive for the Township to administer.
With the tree preservation bylaw, it is much more difficult to develop good regulations that achieve environmental protection, administrative efficiency, equitable enforcement and protection of landowner rights. Tree/vegetation removal happens in the ordinary course of property maintenance, not just during construction. It is much less permanent than site alteration. Specialized professionals are required to evaluate the health of a tree or other vegetation and the impact of removing it.
The revised tree preservation by-law prohibits the removal of naturally occurring vegetation, including trees of any size, from land within 7.5 metres/25 feet of the high-water mark unless there is an applicable exception or the owner receives an exemption. There are now minimal restrictions (other than against clear cutting) for trees and vegetation more than 7.5 metres away from the high-water mark.
Many reasons people would want to remove trees or other plants are covered under the listed exceptions, so that no application for an exemption is required. Some are not. For example, these are not listed exceptions:
to provide a view to the water (or to maintain a view by removing immature trees);
to remove brush or undergrowth other than along pathways (e.g. in front of a cottage);
to construct a permanent roadway (wider than 2 metres) from dock to door; or
to construct small structures within 25 feet of shore for which no permit is required (e.g. a shed).
In these cases, the owner would have to apply for an exemption.
The proposed bylaws are intended to preserve our unique visual environment, but do not make a distinction between densely wooded areas and rock barren landscapes (e.g. small outer islands) where removing any tree has a significant visual impact.
Our understanding is that the Township had anticipated hiring by-law officers to enforce the new by-laws. We do not know whether this is still the case, or how many would be required. Presumably, the revised site alteration bylaw could be managed and enforced with minimal effort. With the tree preservation bylaw, this could also be true, but it seems that this might require further changes to the bylaw so that there are very few exemption requests, violations or requests for clarifications. For perspective, the cost of adding two by-law enforcement officers might be about 2% of annual Township property tax revenues (about $9 million annually).
KEY ELEMENTS OF PROPOSED SITE ALTERATION BYLAW
This bylaw would prohibit “site alteration”, defined as “a change in elevation from existing grade or finished grade resulting from (i) the placing or dumping of fill; (ii) the removal of topsoil; (iii) placing, dumping, removal, or blasting of rock; or (iv) any other action that alters the grade of land including the altering in any way of a natural drainage course on a site”.
There are specific exemptions in Section 5 of the bylaw. These have been broadened slightly and include site alterations associated with the following:
minor landscaping (e.g. small gardens),
the construction of paths of up to 2 metres in width (no longer restricted to paths linking buildings to the water)
maintenance or replacement of existing landscaping features
construction or expansion of a building, dock or permitted shoreline structure
emergency repairs
driveways connected to a public road
temporary (construction) access roads, which are subject to a remediation requirement
septic systems
The Bylaws do not appear to prohibit the construction of retaining walls.
The Manager may grant exemptions where there is no adverse impact on drainage, “any natural heritage feature” or “the natural environment of the area”.
In the revised draft, a landowner may appeal any adverse decision by the Manager to Council within 30 days (or failure by the Manager to issue a decision within 45 days).
KEY ELEMENTS OF PROPOSED TREE PRESERVATION BYLAW
This draft bylaw would prohibit “clear-cutting” (previously, the destruction/injury of mature trees, with a trunk 6 inches/15cm or more in diameter) and, within 25 feet/ 7.5 metres of the high-water mark, the destruction of any native shoreline vegetation (including trees of any size) unless there is a Section 5 exemption, or unless the Township Manager (previously Council) grants relief.
Specific exemptions (Section 5) are similar to those in the site alteration bylaw and do not require an application or approval: minor landscaping, maintenance of existing landscaping or buildings, the construction of buildings, access roads from a public roadway, pathways up to 2 metres in width (previously only paths from door to dock), solar panels (a new exemption), plus additional exemptions for tree removal following severe damage resulting from natural disasters, weather events, insects, disease or wildlife; and actions “in accordance with good arboricultural practices” or “in accordance with good forestry practices”.
Applications for exemptions other than those specified would require a formal application, including an application fee and professional arborist report. Newly added language in the bylaw requires the applicant for an exemption to demonstrate that the proposed actions, among other things, “will not have a significant impact on fish or wildlife habitat” and “will not be in contravention of the Species at Risk Act, the Endangered Species Act of the Migratory Birds Convention Act”. Like the revision to the draft Site Alteration Bylaw, the revised Tree Preservation Bylaw would entitle the owner to appeal to Council within 30 days of an adverse ruling by the manager, or within 45 days of no ruling.
Summary above provided by SSCA President Glen Campbell
The SSCA FUN-d-RAISER on August 17, 2024 was a huge success with $25,000 raised towards the new community centre! Many thanks to Laura Hay and her team of volunteers! All funds raised are going to the New Community Centre build. Please see the pictures below!
May 2024 SSCA Clips: Glen Campbell talks about the New Community Build https://youtu.be/CmxoAlUk0zU The Schoolhouse renovation is now complete so come take a look at the changes. See the New Community building outline completed with ropes on the actual site of the build. Imagine how great it will be to gather and enjoy our spectacular views of our special part of Georgian Bay from our New Community Centre!
See the Upcoming 2024 SSCA Events and the link to the calendar under the events tab and under the Home Page to see all the great things available to you as a Member of the SSCA!
The SSCA AGM is scheduled for Saturday, July 6/24 at 10:00 am at the School House (Zoom information to be finalized). A luncheon will be served following the meeting. We look forward to seeing you on the 6th!
The following letter requesting further consultation on the By-laws was submitted January 28, 2024. SSCA letter to ToA re bylaws 24-01-28
We have a new mailing address: SSCA PO BOX 15005 (RPO) Heath Yonge Toronto, ON M4T 1M1
SSCA dues are now payable for 2024 and due by January 31st. Please note our renewal payment process and mailing address has changed. Please read this entire message for new details on payment. Dues this year are $200 (primary member - can include 1 spouse or partner associate non-voting member). If you are under 30 years old, you qualify for Associate (non-voting) membership of $50. A Dual Association Membership is $150 for Individuals that are members of another GBA recognized association and have already paid their GBA dues ($50) with their other Association. We also encourage donations to the Community Center Fund, the Contingency Fund and to the GBA. To submit all dues payments and NEW payment instructions, go to our New Payment Portal: New Payment Portal Please Note: We prefer e-transfer payment as the bank fees are lower and it is instantaneous. If you pay by cheque, processing may be delayed. When you pay your dues, we ask that you please confirm the completeness and accuracy of your member profile data. Updates can be made by going to our website at https://ssca.info/membership-renewal/, log in, and edit your member profile data.. What do you get for your membership? Participation in a Ratepayers Group advocating for you at all levels of government on issues important to our area. Membership in the Georgian Bay Association providing a voice on matters that affect all of Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes. Regular newsletter updates on the Environment, Fire and Safety, Community activities and vital local news Access to Community Programmes such as the SSCA Regatta, Day and Sailing camps, book club, pot luck suppers, kayak races, sport court games, presentations of interest, guided hikes, model boat races and lots more An annual Member Directory (mailed if payment received by March 31st) We welcome all cottagers and year round residents in the Sans Souci area. Thank you in advance. We look forward to seeing you on the Bay. Jacquie Green Membership Chair membership@ssca.info PS: Payments received by March 31st will be mailed a copy of the 2024 Member Directory.
Sans Souci and Copperhead Association
