in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
December 29, 2024
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — We've reported on the former Talisman Resort properties, their sale and development plans, for years. When we do, these stories always generate a lot of interest and often land in the Top 10 lists. This year is no different and it lands as the number 3 story of the year.
In June, Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) weighed in on the proposed plans. Citing concerns for the watershed below these developments, TUC expressed the need for caution and proposed an additional hydrogeology study of the entire area. In their Open Letter, they begged to be included as a concerned stakeholder in the future of the properties and requested to be kept informed of how the Grey Highlands municipality intends to ensure the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
While extensive plans for the adjacent properties above and below the former Talisman Resort property were previously revealed in 2023, owners of the property sandwiched in the middle, said this past August that they are "moving closer towards bringing the vision of a state-of-the-art Health and Wellness community to the beautiful Beaver Valley." Brian Ellis and Phil Calvano claimed to have been working hard and listening to many within the community and various ideas and thoughts for the former Talisman site.
Their submission to Grey Highlands staff, includes a plan for a new Condo-Hotel and one of the largest Nordic Spas in North America. The hotel is sized to accommodate the scope and capacity of the Nordic Spa and the amenities associated with it, including restaurants, convention space, treatment areas, gym, large tropical indoor pool and solarium, among many other amenities. According to Ellis, parking for approximately 900 vehicles would include plug ins for electric vehicles, and would be completely hidden from view.
In December, the Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) presented an update to the community on how the developments are progressing, and explained their concerns for each.
Aside from the natural environment concerns, the costs of roads, bridges, water and sewage services as well as fire protection and other municipal expenses was flagged. According to the ECA, costs will be in the tens of millions for a municipality with an annual capital budget of only $6 million.
While representatives of the Beaver Valley Development Group did not attend the December Update, Brian Ellis did. Despite the ECA concerns, Ellis remained confident that his concept for a world-class spa will be approved. In an interview with South Grey News, he presented his vision for the property and tried to dispel the criticisms.
Also in December, Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) staff sent a comment letter to the municipality which outlines their concerns for the proposed developments, stating "the NEP policies do not allow for the intensity of development that is currently proposed for this area."
But as Yogi Berra once said, "it aint over 'til it's over."
Read all about it:
Open Letter: Concerns over the proposed development of former Talisman Resort lands
New plans submitted for the former Talisman Resort property
Update of Beaver Valley developments: debate continues
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