Media Release: What are Huntsville’s Significant Views? Town Seeks Feedback...

UPDATE: The deadline for the "Significant Views" Survey has been extended by one week, until Friday, November 29. For more information and to complete the survey, please go to: MyHuntsville.ca 

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Media Release: What are Huntsville’s Significant Views? Town Seeks Feedback to Inform Development Criteria

(Huntsville, ON) The Town of Huntsville is launching a community survey to get public feedback on “Significant Views” within Huntsville’s urban water and sewer serviced areas (the Urban Settlement Area and  Hidden Valley) to assist in creating criteria to evaluate development proposals with increased height and density. The public survey will be available from October 24 to November 22, 2024.

In the midst of housing challenges, the Town is proactively taking steps to implement the Strategic Plan priority of “balanced growth” through a responsible and cautious approach.  

“It is incredibly important that Huntsville balances the need for affordable housing and growth with the preservation of our Town’s character, natural landscape and ‘Muskoka feel.’ A key element in strategic planning for growth is to preserve character by maintaining ‘Significant Views’ so that we can consider height and density in appropriate locations. We are seeking public feedback on Huntsville’s Significant Views to assist in creating this type of criteria for future development,” says Councillor Bob Stone, Chair of the Planning Council. 

In April 2024, planning staff completed a Height & Density Background Review and Directions Report, that indicated  the need for enhanced planning policy tools. As a next step, the Town is seeking public input on “Significant Views” to inform the Height and Density Evaluation Criteria.  

“Huntsville faces growing demands for housing, including proposals for development of increasing height and density. We would like the community’s input as we develop Height and Density Evaluation Criteria for these types of proposals, so that we can preserve Huntsville’s character and natural beauty,” says Richard Clark, Manager of Planning at the Town of Huntsville. “What do you think are Huntsville’s most ‘Significant Views’? Public feedback gained through our survey will help determine suitable locations for increased height and/or density.”

This is the first opportunity for public engagement for this process, and community input will inform the evaluation criteria. Public input will be used to help determine the Height & Density Evaluation Criteria developed by the Town’s Planning Department. Once drafted, a Public Meeting will be hosted to get further community feedback. The proposed guidelines will then be presented to Council.

What is “Height and Density”? Why is it important as the Town grows and develops?

Height and density standards are contained within the Community Planning Permit Bylaw (CPPBL). These standards come from the height and density policies associated with residential and mixed use designations as outlined in the Town’s Official Plan. 

Currently, the maximum permitted height for multiple dwellings (apartment buildings) is 11m and the maximum permitted density is 60 units per hectare. The CPPBL also defines how height is to be measured.   Currently, if an application is proposed with height or density that is over and above the CPPBL provisions, Staff and Council are required to evaluate the request using general criteria, including requirements for Community Benefits.  A revised, more detailed set of criteria and guidelines will assist by helping all to understand where additional height and density is appropriate, but also where it’s not.  This will also be a tool to help developers prepare proposals that will minimize impacts, achieve community benefits, and limit review times to address current housing needs.  

For more information and to complete the survey, please go to: MyHuntsville.ca 

Questions & Answers

For an FAQ Sheet on the Height & Density Evaluation Criteria - Significant Views Survey, please go to this link.

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About Huntsville…

Located in Ontario’s cottage country, the Town of Huntsville is the largest community in the District Municipality of Muskoka, with a permanent resident population of over 21,000. The combination of Muskoka’s scenic beauty, rugged landscape, extensive waterfront, and close proximity to the world-famous Algonquin Park has made Huntsville a popular retreat for year-round residents, seasonal residents, and tourists alike. In addition to 68,000 hectares of unparalleled natural environment, Huntsville has a vibrant downtown, dynamic arts and culture scene, and world-class restaurants, shopping and recreation facilities. The Town’s economy is primarily based on tourism, recreation, and the service sector, with a strong construction industry.

For More Information Contact:

Richard Clark
Manager of Planning
Town of Huntsville
705-789-1751 ext. 2232
Richard.Clark@huntsville.ca