The establishment of an equestrian resort on the lakeshore near Port Rowan is getting closer to reality.
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An application proposing construction of a 40-unit condominium for a “resort-oriented horse ranching development” that includes 30 single-detached farm dwellings with separate ownership, eight tourist cabins, a restaurant with a “saloon” theme, and a barn was received by Norfolk councilors at a public hearing committee meeting on Tuesday.
The plan includes a new private road and widening a portion of Front Road.
The development would be called BB Ranch.
The proposal will now go to county staff to prepare a report that will include a recommendation to councilors about whether it should receive final approval.
Eldon Darbyson of G. Douglas Vallee Ltd. of Simcoe and agent for the applicant, BB Investments Ltd., said the proposal began as a vision four years ago.
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“This is the realization of that vision right now,” said Darbyson on Tuesday. “It’s an equestrian resort. People get to live and vacation with their horses.”
Jeff Bouck of BB Investments Ltd. said previously the inspiration for his concept comes from similar equestrian retreats in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.
The development would be on the Bouck family’s 59-acre property at 436 Front Rd. The farm is on the S-bend between Booth’s Harbor and Port Rowan. There is currently a horse ranch and riding on the property, along with farm buildings and a single-detached home.
Darbyson said the application for the proposed development is complex, with “many moving parts.” Some components of the plan have already been approved by council.
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“BB Ranch is an exciting, unique concept in Norfolk County,” said Darbyson. “It provides much needed roofed accommodation and caterers to the tourism industry.”
Darbyson said the ranch would also take advantage of the county’s rich agricultural offerings, bringing in locally sourced food and beverages.
Coun. Tom Masscaele praised the plan.
“At the beginning of the previous term of council we placed a great deal of emphasis on the concept of agri-tourism. I think this fits perfectly, checking off every box that we had in mind at that time.”
When asked by councilor Mike Columbus if all the proposed units would be built at once or in phases, Darbyson said that would depend on sales.
“We have a builder lined up who is ready to start building some of the houses. I don’t think all would go in right away but we’re not phasing. It’s first come, first serve.”
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