Roblin Lake camp proposal resurfaces after years of inactivity

Zoning request would allow former summer camp to operate as year-round tourist accommodation

A long-dormant proposal to redevelop a former summer camp on Roblin Lake is back before Prince Edward County’s planning committee, nearly five years after it was first introduced.

© activerain/Malcolm Johnston

Prince Edward County Lakeside Retreat Inc. is seeking a zoning bylaw amendment to allow the property at 467 County Road 19 in Ameliasburgh to operate as a year-round, for-profit tourist accommodation. The 7.3-hectare site includes more than 300 metres of shoreline and sits next to a public park and beach. For decades, the property operated as a seasonal, non-profit camp, most recently as the Ignite Camp and Retreat Centre.

Current zoning limits its use to that model, and any shift to commercial, year-round operations would require council approval.

Developer says no new construction planned

Representing the property owner, Ryan Bent told the committee the proposal is focused on adapting existing buildings rather than expanding the site.

“I just wanted to tell everybody we aren’t looking to build anything new,” Bent said. “We just want to keep the property open for a few extra weeks a year so that we can allow any type of organization, including profit or non-profit, to operate it.”

Bent positioned the project as aligned with the County’s tourism strategy, pointing to the need for more year-round accommodations and local employment opportunities.

“We will also be creating some much-needed year-round jobs in the community,” he said, noting recent job losses in the area. “We want this to be a high-end, quality family resort for families to create long-lasting memories.”

Residents raise concerns over water use and infrastructure

Despite assurances, several residents expressed concern about the potential strain on Roblin Lake, which serves as a drinking water source for roughly 700 people.

Mike Seeger, a long-time resident, questioned whether the lake and its infrastructure could handle increased demand.

“Based on the numbers, we could be looking at around 643,000 litres just in the peak summer months,” he said. “That’s about a 20 per cent increase over what our small plant currently processes.”

He also raised concerns about the septic system and its proximity to the lake, noting that any failure could directly affect water quality.

Environmental impact and lake capacity at centre of debate

Other speakers emphasized the lake’s limited capacity and ecological sensitivity. Andrew Shaw, a third-generation resident, pointed to ongoing issues such as shoreline garbage and questioned whether the lake could sustain increased tourism activity.

“It’s a small inland lake,” Shaw said. “You see these resorts being built on larger bodies of water, but this is a much more fragile ecosystem. It’s also a drinking water source for hundreds of people.”

Mark Vandergraph echoed those concerns, highlighting the lake’s reliance on precipitation and limited natural filtration.

“With global warming and other pressures, increased use is not going to be sustainable,” he said. “Once water quality is compromised, there’s no easy way to reverse it.”

He warned that issues like phosphorus buildup and algal blooms could have long-term consequences for both residents and any future resort operations.

Community character and quality of life also raised

Beyond environmental concerns, residents spoke about the potential impact on the area’s character and way of life.

Steve McNavan described the community as close-knit and diverse, and cautioned that large-scale tourism development could disrupt that balance.

“People come here because of strong communities and healthy ecosystems,” he said. “If you put too much stress on it, people will start to fight over it, and it will stress this community.”

Concerns were also raised about recent tree clearing on the property, though County staff confirmed that such activity is permitted on private land under current bylaws.

Zoning scope raises questions for council

Councillor John Hirsch flagged another issue, the range of uses that could be permitted if the property is rezoned as Tourist Commercial.

“You have stated what you intend to do; however, that could certainly change,” Hirsch said. “If it was simply zoned TC, council no longer has any ability to say yes or no to various proposals.”

He suggested that restrictions may be needed to limit uses such as hotels, marinas, or other large-scale commercial operations.

More information and consultation still to come

Planning staff acknowledged that many questions remain unanswered.

County planner Samantha Deck confirmed that tree clearing on the property is permitted, while retained planner Spencer Hutchinson noted he only began working on the file in December and is focused on moving the process forward.

“This was set up as an information meeting, not to give every answer tonight,” Hutchinson said. “There are a lot of studies and reports that still have to come back.”

He added that a future open house in Ameliasburgh may be organized to provide residents with more information and an opportunity to ask questions.

Takeaway

The Roblin Lake proposal highlights a familiar tension in Prince Edward County, balancing tourism growth and economic opportunity with environmental limits and community concerns. With key studies still pending and strong local input on record, the decision remains far from settled.