Dear Deputy Clerk and Members of the Planning Department,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Wasaga Beach to formally express my opposition to the proposed townhome development on Ramblewood Drive. While I understand the need for sustainable growth, this development raises several significant concerns regarding environmental impact, neighbourhood character, and community infrastructure.

Reduction of Tree Canopy Along Carly Patterson Trail

The Carly Patterson Trail is valued for its natural shade, tranquility, and recreational importance. Removing this large section of adjacent mature tree canopy will increase trail temperatures, reduce air quality, and diminish the natural beauty that residents rely on for daily exercise and have intentionally chosen to live in this area to enjoy.

The loss of mature forested land will also reduce air purification, natural cooling, and stormwater absorption. These ecosystems serve as natural buffers between residential areas, support local biodiversity, mitigate urban heat, and provide critical environmental benefits that cannot be easily restored. Eliminating this remaining natural green space would reduce the community’s access to open natural areas, weaken neighbourhood character, and further erode the ecological value that mature landscapes provide.

Impact on Sensitive Wetlands and Harm to Local Wildlife

The surrounding area includes sensitive wetlands that support water filtration, flood prevention, and groundwater recharge. Development threatens these systems through runoff contamination, drainage disruption, and irreversible habitat loss.

The few forests and wetlands near Ramblewood Drive support diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, red foxes, snowshoe hares, Eastern chipmunks, chickadees, northern cardinals, pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, spring peepers, green frogs, salamanders, ducks, butterflies, dragonflies, native bees and painted turtles. These species depend on a continuous natural habitat for survival. Clearing land fragments in these corridors, also reduces biodiversity.

Increased Traffic and Roadway Congestion, Noise and Pollution

Ramblewood Drive already experiences high traffic volumes and speeding. Adding a dense residential development will not only increase congestion and elevate daily travel times for local residents, but higher traffic volumes inevitably lead to more noise and vehicle emissions, which negatively affect nearby homes and community health.

Decline in Neighbourhood Character and Property Values

The introduction of high‑density townhomes is in stark contrast to the existing low‑density residential character of the area. Such sudden intensification may lead to overcrowding, increased noise, and diminished property values—particularly as mature trees and forest cover are removed. Established tree canopies and forested areas are well‑known contributors to neighbourhood desirability, offering natural shade, privacy, improved air quality, and a visually appealing streetscape. Their removal not only alters the character of the community but also reduces long‑term value and livability for current residents.

Strain on Local Elementary Schools

Local schools are already facing enrolment pressure. Additional residential density adds risk to overburdening our classrooms, thereby limiting resources, and impacting the quality of education. Given the rising enrolment trends across the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board it is unlikely that the school can accommodate hundreds of more students once these new development plans are set.

More importantly, the increase in traffic will significantly worsen safety concerns during school drop-off and pick-up times. The area is already congested and chaotic, with parents struggling to move safely in and out of the school zone. Adding hundreds of additional high-density housing units will only increase the volume of vehicles during these critical times, creating even more unsafe conditions for children.

Given these concerns, I respectfully request that the Town of Wasaga Beach reconsider or deny approval of this development in its current form. Thoughtful planning that protects natural assets, maintains neighbourhood character, and ensures infrastructure readiness is essential for long-term community well-being.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to continued public consultation on this matter.

Sincerely,