Ontario developer's plan to build golf course on farmland has some worried it will 'destroy' their village

Some residents of a small village in Ontario's cottage country are speaking out against a proposed development that would see farmland turned into a golf course resort and housing.

The Kawartha Bay project in Cameron, Ont., located approximately 150 kilometres northeast of Toronto in the City of Kawartha Lakes, is being proposed by Markham-based Flato Developments. It would feature an 18-hole golf course interspersed with 339 seasonal homes, 84 rentals, a clubhouse, restaurant and a refurbished marina.

Flato is asking Kawartha city council to rezone 156 hectares of land it owns — most of which is currently designated for agricultural or rural uses  — to "tourist commercial" to allow the resort to operate. The development would be serviced by privately-owned facilities for treating drinking water and wastewater.

"Flato looks forward to expanding tourism and supporting this idyllic community, while preserving the natural beauty and heritage of the area," the developer's website reads.

"The introduction of a recreational resort will provide sustained economic growth, enhance the infrastructure in the community and offer diversified tourism with four-season appeal."