Lakeside property owners in Hastings Highlands will need to take note of a change proposed in the municipality’s zoning bylaw.
The municipality is amending its rules on natural vegetation for lakeside properties. According to the current bylaw, 15 meters of a vegetative buffer from the shoreline’s high watermark needed to be maintained by property owners. Under the new legislation, 30 meters of vegetation needs to be maintained, with some clearing allowed for water access. Septic systems must also be 30 meters away from the shoreline.
The increased vegetation is to protect the shoreline from erosion and to increase water quality. It will also put Hastings Highlands’ zoning bylaws into compliance with Hastings County’s Official Plan. On lakes that cross county lines like Kamaniskeg and Bark, this only will apply to those shorelines that are part of Hastings County and not Renfrew County.
An open house is planned to discuss the new by-laws on Thursday, April 14th at Emond Hall starting at 9:30 AM. The by-laws will be discussed at a council meeting on May 4th. Comments can be submitted on the Hastings Highlands website.