A rainstorm couldn’t stop residents of Chautauqua from gathering at Ryerson Park this August to express their frustration over what they see as disrespect from the town to the future of their beloved neighbourhood.
The anger stems from the removal of a promised secondary plan for the neighbourhood.
The 2019 official plan included a commitment to such a plan, but the language was changed in the draft version of the 2025 plan to state that a secondary plan will be “considered.”
A secondary plan is a separate planning document tailored to the specific needs of a neighbourhood. In Chautauqua’s case, residents say it would reflect the area’s unique identity and character.
“It was clear back in 2019 when they did the draft official plan that the secondary plan was the best way forward,” said Weston Miller, president of the Chautauqua Residents Association.
“We were going on a secondary plan because that’s what staff previously determined was the best mechanism.”
Miller said he is confused by the change and frustrated by what he described as evasive and condescending responses from the town and Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.
In an email to association member Jeff Richardson, obtained by The Lake Report, Zalepa said a secondary plan might not be the only option and mentioned a potential character study instead.
He reiterated this point in a letter to the members of the Chautauqua Residents Association, sent Aug. 12, the day of the Ryerson Park gathering.
Zalepa wrote that these “planning tools” are intended to make sure future development matches with the town’s planning goals, “while respecting the established character of distinct neighbourhoods like Chautauqua.”
But Miller said that doesn’t address the core issue.
“The question that has yet to be answered through this entire process is why the commitment was removed,” he said. “The mayor has said, ‘Oh, it’s because we’re looking at different possible mechanisms.’”
“Well, there still could be a commitment rather than a vague consideration. That’s the crux of the issue.”
Miller also took issue with what he and other residents perceive as a dismissive tone in town communications.
In a separate email sent to Miller, Zalepa wrote:
“Weston — I would suggest that you speak with either a planner or Kirsten (McCauley, the town’s director of community and development services) and have it explained. An unapproved official plan creates no commitments,” Zalepa wrote.
“The current council has committed to policy considerations for the area. Your letter, sent to area residents, not understanding the council position and or the options available to create policy, have caused much confusion for the public.”
Miller said he and the residents’ association are open to ideas beyond a secondary plan to protect Chautauqua’s character.
He acknowledged the town may have a different perspective, which is why residents want to collaborate. However, he emphasized they feel the process has lacked transparency.
“These are people who care about the distinct features of our community,” Miller said. “They came out in the middle of a storm because they don’t want to see the character of the neighbourhood put at risk.”
Chautauqua is located in the western part of Old Town and is known for its “hub and spoke” street design and distinctive architecture, with many small cottage homes.
The neighbourhood has roots in the 19th-century Chautauqua educational movement, which used the area for gatherings and activities.
When asked by The Lake Report to comment in detail on the Aug. 12 gathering by Chatuauqua residents, Zalepa replied on Aug. 13, saying he would respond, but hasn’t done so as of press time.
