The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is investigating the ongoing demolition of the Wigamog Inn property in Haliburton.
Shannon Simpkins, MECP spokesperson, told The Highlander the ministry received a complaint in August and has followed up, with site assessment ongoing.
“The ministry was made aware of demolition activities occurring at the Wigamog Inn through public concerns related to waste disposal activities and potential impacts to species at-risk. We are currently assessing site activities to ensure compliance with the applicable environmental legislation,” Simpkins said.
Asked for specifics on the legislation, what the ministry was investigating, protocols used to determine if rules had been broken, and the potential punishments, Simpkins said, “it would not be appropriate to speculate” until the investigation is complete.
Hailey Cole, Dysart et al bylaw officer, has been assisting with the investigation. She said all remaining demolition and removal of debris is on hold until the MECP wraps up, with the municipality aiming for a tentative completion date sometime in spring 2024.
The Wigamog has been in a state of disrepair for years. Aurora Group purchased the property in March 2016, announcing big plans for the site. A proposal posted to the company’s website included reopening the inn and the Moose Bar and Grill. There was also talk of a new residential development, featuring 180 condos, townhouses, and detached homes.
Years went by without any action. Dysart’s previous bylaw officer, Robert Mascia, reported carrying out multiple inspections of the property between 2019 and May 2022, when he issued a remedial action notice to Aurora Group outlining 47 infractions of the township’s property standards bylaw. Issues varied from downed power lines to smashed windows, damaged doors, and collapsed decks.
At a property standards committee meeting in fall 2022, Aurora Group said they intended to demolish the 37 buildings that make up the Wigamog site. They then missed a deadline to submit a demolition permit, which led to the committee, in October 2022, directing Dysart’s chief building official, Karl Korpela, to issue an RFP to have the site torn down.
Staff were still working on the RFP in March when Aurora Group started the demolition process. To date, around a dozen buildings have been taken down.
The Wigamog was discussed briefly among Dysart’s elected officials Nov. 28, with coun. Barry Boice saying he’s heard there are squatters living inside the building.
“People are telling me there are lights going off throughout the night… someone found canisters in there that look like [they store] propane, canned food,” he said.
Cole said this was the first she had heard of people illegally residing on the property, telling council she would follow up.
Deputy mayor, Walt McKechnie, told The Highlander he was pleased the MECP had gotten involved, believing it will force Aurora Group into action.
“When you bring the ministry into the playing field, the game kind of changes a bit. You’ve got to start playing by their rules,” McKechnie said. “This is a really big concern. Every week we’re getting calls, all of council. I’m running into people in the street, in the store, and they all want to know what’s going on with the Wigamog… I think a lot of people will still not be happy, because they wanted action yesterday, but they’re going to see action soon.”
Aurora Group did not respond to The Highlander’s request for comment.
