Two delegations have been brought forward to Grey Highlands council over development plans for the Talisman Lands.
During a recent special council meeting, representatives from the Friends of the Beaver Valley, a coalition comprised of Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC), Sustainable Livelihood Canada, Elephant Thoughts, and Kimberley Safety Group proposed they receive three months to bring together nature conservation, education, support organizations, and stakeholders while a plan is established for the area.
The 200-acre former Talisman Resort property is comprised of three parts, two of which are owned by the municipality, and the other by a numbered company.
Grey Highlands CAO Karen Govan says on March 2, the municipality entered a one-year joint venture agreement with the owners of the Talisman Springs Inn property to promote and market the collective properties that had previously made up the Talisman Resort lands.
Govan says, “the agreement commits the parties to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to evaluate, appraise, prepare, market, solicit offers and ideally sell the lands as a single development opportunity.”
Having received over 600 signatures across Grey Bruce, the EBC is providing support, which according to the presentation, is the largest Ontario-based land trust agency.
The coalition proposed that instead of selling the land, they turn it into:
-wildlife habitat
-housing, either long-term rental options or temporary affordable and accessible accommodations
-supporting local entrepreneurs, set up artisan or mini-manufacturing space
-food security, community gardens to support local farmers
-education, potentially a satellite campus for the University of Guelph or Georgian College, a publicly funded outdoor school, or public eco-education
-wellness hub, supporting local practitioners in yoga or mental health programs
The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy presentation notes the coalition spoke to residents and organizations that could provide leadership, assist in development and bring employment to these potential options.
Proposing on working with the municipality, they would be able to steward the property, with Grey Highlands managing and watching over the area. The coalition would aim to draw engagement and seek support by working across political boundaries, while also supporting local non-profits and entrepreneurs.
“We know that the middle portion of the Talisman Lands is prime development property but we’d like to see the development there reflect the values of EBC, the municipalities own strategic plan and the wishes of the people of Grey Highlands,” says EBC Executive Director Robert Barnett. “We are asking the municipality for time to develop our proposal pending due diligence.”
Another delegation by Westway Capital, a Capital Management Firm that works to acquire lands for development, was also presented to acquire the lands and produce a development to improve local infrastructure, attract tourism and investment into Beaver Valley.
In their presentation, Westway Capital says they wish to engage in public consultations with local restaurants, businesses and other stakeholders to create a master plan that will deliver a significant degree of local support.
In its goal to revitalize, revision and re-establish the Talisman Resort and surrounding area, Westway notes the developable lands account for less then 20 per cent of the total land holdings. Their presentation pitched using the rest of the lands for agriculture, education and development of eco-tourism initiatives.
“It was really encouraging to hear from both parties about their vision for the identified properties and their overriding respect for the Beaver Valley,” says Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen. “I think Council was impressed with both presentation and is well aware of the importance of any future undertaking on both the Municipally owned lands and the privately owned former Talisman Resort lodge lands. It was interesting to note that both parties’ vision were centred around respect for the lands, the environment and the community, which are priorities for council, as well.”
