Ramara - Orkney Beach - "bathing rights"

[Slick_Willy]

Wanted to see what the deal with Orkney Beach was. Township disclaims that the land is subject to multiple rights of way and is not buildable. However, it has a very high appraised value/taxes for a supposedly non-buildable lot.

I pulled a couple of the easements themselves and it seems the land and adjacent beach are subject to the "bathing rights" of neighbouring cottages. Probably used as a bit of water access for the community. Street view shows the lawn being maintained and a bench overlooking the water.

I, personally, am not convinced that this makes the lot unbuildable. If I were a real estate lawyer I'd argue that building a small cottage in the corner of the lot does not substantially interfere with the neighbours "bathing rights."

Prospective buyer would also have to deal with the conservation-regulated small waterway bisecting the lot, and any shoreline regs.

It's all two much hassle for me so I'm sitting it out and sharing what I know about the landmines - haven't check all the registered easements, but I think it might be at least theoretically be a worthwhile venture for someone - as long as they are willing to deal with conservation authority and bathing neighbours in your yard (or if you think you can negotiate the removal of ~20 separate rights of way)  

[Matt]

I have talked a person living near the property.  He says the whole community is against the idea of someone building on that land.  They want the land to be vacant as long as they can access the water through the land as stipulated in the easements.  It looks removing easements would be difficult, and future constructions could lead to strong resistances.  Township should buy or take over this property, and make it an official public park.

[smilesnoopy]

The lawn is well maintained likely by all those neighbours with benches and a nice "private property" sign.  It will be difficult to deal with the easements or share your backyard with many neighbours even if you mange to jump the hoops and build something.  It looks like I can't attach photos here.

Any thought 4256 lakeview drive for a vacant land? 

All the others are cancelled or postponed.

[Slick_Willy]

Lakeview Dr was a decent lot with good zoning, but it's conversation-regulated land (adjacent to provincially significant wetland).

Any development would need approval from conservation authority. I don't think that means it's impossible, but could be difficult.

Should have results by now.... anyone know what it went for?

[Dave2]

Winning bid $156,000,  59 bids. compared to $51,000 assessed value

Obviously a number of people were not worried about possible conservation authority approval.

Anybody talk to them?