Following a three-day hearing held in September 2024, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) issued a decision on April 14, 2025, regarding an appeal by Snow Owl Woods Holdings Inc. (also known as Mistral Land Development Inc.). The appeal related to two applications: a Zoning By-law Amendment and a Draft Plan of Subdivision, which sought approval to develop a residential subdivision at 3852 Ganaraska Road.
On April 24, 2025, the Tribunal issued a corrected version of the decision from April 14, to address minor errors.
In its decision, the Tribunal concluded that it did not have enough evidence to determine whether the proposed development would negatively impact a significant natural feature within the Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and that the applications were not consistent with the 2024 Provincial Statement. As a result, the Tribunal dismissed the appeal.
The developer has since filed a Notice of Motion for Leave to Appeal the Tribunal’s decision with the Ontario Divisional Court. Under changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure introduced in 2024, such motions are now reviewed in writing by a panel of the Court, without an in-person hearing. A date for this written review has not yet been set.
The Municipality continues to work with legal counsel to prepare for the notice of motion and will provide updates on the municipal website as they are available.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
