Bylaw extension allows for another season of concerts at Burl's Creek

Minister Clark announced that he has issued a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) that will extend the Temporary Use By-Law Application (TUBL) approved by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) as of Jan. 1, 2016 until the conclusion of the OMB’s hearing on Republic Live’s Permanent By-Law Application (PA), which is slated to begin on April 1, 2019 or later and will be a two-week hearing.

The MZO will allow Burl’s Creek to host its 2019 festival program under the same terms as the Temporary Use By-Law that has been in effect since 2016, until the OMB makes a final decision on their Permanent By-Law Application.

Mayor Harry Hughes commented “The Township of Oro-Medonte is appreciative of the Minister’s Zoning Order. The Order bridges the gap for the 2019 special event season, while allowing for the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal’s hearing and decision pertaining to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments regarding parking and camping at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.”

“I was pleased we were able to work with officials from Oro-Medonte and Minister Clark’s office to get this done,” MPP Downey noted. “It ensures that Burl’s Creek can continue with the exciting events they have lined up for their 2019 season as they await a final decision from the OMB” he continued.

“I’m happy festivals and concerts on the Burl’s Creek event grounds will continue once again this summer,” said Minister Clark. “Festivals and concerts at Burl’s Creek boost tourism in the region and help local businesses thrive. They’re also a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy live music.”

“Today’s news supports the positive contributions of our team and fulfills the “Open for Business” attitude of our provincial government, Simcoe County and the

Township of Oro-Medonte” stated Todd Jenereaux, Executive Vice President of Burl’s Creek. “We wish our sincerest thanks to Doug Downey, MPP Barrie- Springwater-Oro-Medonte and Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and to everyone who provided the support that resulted in today’s announcement, and for the successes we have achieved to date.”

Background

The property on which Burl’s Creek is situated can be divided into two sections: the primary lands, and the supporting lands.

The primary lands are approximately 92 acres that are zoned as “Private Recreation” and is where all of the concert stages and the majority of vendor and concession stands, bars and refreshment areas, craft vendors, sponsors, amusement rides, games and supporting infrastructure is located.

The supporting lands are approximately 500 acres of farmland surrounding the primary lands that has been farmed for decades, and continues to this day. That said, at various times this land has also been used for camping, parking and associated concessions.

The supporting lands were zoned for temporary camping, parking and concessions at the time that Burl’s Creek was purchased by the current owners in 2014. However, shortly after the purchase, the Township of Oro-Medonte repealed these zoning permissions as a result of complaints made by local residents relating to whether the Township had followed proper procedures when it had initially granted the temporary zoning permissions.

The owners of Burl’s Creek have submitted two applications to the OMB, a Temporary Use By-Law Application (TUBL), and a Permanent By-Law Application (PA). The OMB approved their TUBL for a three year period, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2016, and slated to expire on Dec. 31, 2018.

The OMB has indicated the hearing for the PA will take place on April 1, 2019 or later. OMB was requested to extend the TUBL until a final decision was made on the PA, but this was rejected.