Right now there is a very interesting and likely consequential rezoning application being heard. On August 11, 2026 Council heard an application to amend the official plan on a 480 acre Rural (RU) property. The proposed change will rezone a 480 acre RU to an RU-x. From the link provided:
The proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment will permit the use of “Tourist Retreat/Spa”. The rezoning with change the Rural (RU) zoning to a site specific Rural – Exception (RU-x) zone.
This information below is obtained from the Lanark Highlands Website. Click here.
- File Number: ZA-2026-04
- Applicant(s) Name: Tausha Hellyer & Ryan McMurrer
- Subject Land: 2501 Concession 10C Lanark, LANARK CON 9 S PT LOT 17
- Date of Meeting: 2026-08-11
- Type of Application: Minor Variance
- Has Supporting Documents: No
Official Plan / Zoning / Minor Variance?
Currently the property is zoned Rural (RU). According to their website (Maplestone Ranch & Retreat ), it is operating as a ranch, retreat and spa. I was at the meeting on August 11 also attended by about 30 other people, many of whom had signed a 25 signature petition against the official plan modification for many reasons.
About the co-applicant and one of those opposed.
Ryan McMurrer ( co-applicant of the change) filed nominations for Ward 3 Councillor on August 21, 2026.
David Le Gard (one of the opposed to the change) filed nominations for Ward 3 Councillor on August 21, 2026
Many questions come to my mind:
- is this really a minor variance, or full scale commercial operation?
- it has no supporting documents? Amongst those noted by David Le Gard in his document:
- no water usage study (its a spa!)
- no environmental impact study
- no noise study
- no traffic study
- would this open the door for anyone to simply rezone their RU to be used for commercial uses?
- would this mean residential property taxes, not commercial?
- would they be able to continue to use of municipal services like garbage instead of being commercial and paying separately?
This “minor” variance would allow for “Tourist Activities”, on August 11, we were shown pictures of 6 cottages/cabins they would like to build,
According to an Inside Ottawa Valley news article the resort officially opened October 1, 2024. To be clear at that time as now it is zoned RU (residential). From the article:
“Across the 500-acre property, Maplestone Ranch and Retreat offers a heated saltwater pool with a waterslide, hot tub, dry sauna, cold plunge, outdoor showers, cold waterfall shower, a shop and several relaxation areas, including a firepit and meditation cave. The spa also has a field and a 33-foot geodesic dome for classes and events. Hellyer said they are also working to open two more features: a large, Finnish sauna and a wood-fired hot pool.“
….. And this is all long before the “tourist” and the 6 overnight cabins zoning application was filed ……
David Le Gard opposed the Tourist Retreat/Spa rezoning in a document that literally has his name on every page. It is an extensive document spelling out the many reasons this should have a commercial designation and is not suitable for an RU designation. In the document and in the presentation it was clearly stated he believes this to be a commercial operation that was not permitted under the applicable planning framework.
NB: This document I refer to is publicly available through Lanark Highlands, however despite it having been digitized the digital copy is not available via the website. Please contact the Lanark Highlands Clerk to arrange viewing.
I believe there are important questions to ask both candidates as it appears that the final vote may be pushed until after this election.
- Given their prior and current involvement would they be impartial? And I mean not just about this rezoning application but to any similar ones.
- If either is elected would he try to create bylaws that would make it easier or harder to rezone (depending on which one is elected), or would they leave the bylaws as is?
- What safeguards should apply if either candidate is elected while the matter in which they have already participated or expressed a position comes before Council?
- Would they be willing to distance themselves from topic at council and not vote as the Ontario Municipal Conflict of Interest Act specifies?
Ontario’s Municipal Conflict of Interest Act deals specifically with direct or indirect pecuniary interests. Where a member has such an interest, the Act requires disclosure and prohibits participation, voting, and attempts to influence the matter.
What would I do?
A balanced approach. I support responsible development. I support businesses that create jobs, attract visitors and contribute to our local economy. But I do not believe we should achieve economic growth by allowing commercial activities to develop first and address zoning and planning questions afterward.
Based on the information presented to Council on August 11, I would vote NO on this application as it has been presented.
That does not mean I am opposed to development. It means I believe development should be properly planned, properly zoned and considered openly from the outset.
We can grow Lanark Highlands without abandoning the planning principles that protect residents and our rural character.
As a candidate and resident of Ward 3, I believe residents deserve a councillor who will approach these decisions with an open mind, follow the planning process, listen to residents and put the long-term interests of the community ahead of individual interests.
Do you think that two candidates who registered on the last day, are neighbours and involved in this rezoning dispute are solely interested in caring for voters?
I would be honoured to earn your vote and, if elected, to cast my vote based on the facts, the planning framework and the interests of the people of Ward 3.