A lakefront condominium project rejected by city council is enjoying brisk sales as the developer prepares for an Ontario Municipal Board hearing.
 

“I’m confident we can get to where we want to be, and so is my lawyer,” said Ron Sattler, of Orchard Point Harbour.

Council last year turned down a proposal for a triple-tower condominium at Orchard Point amid concerns over the size and scope of the project.

That decision, which has since been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, has not dampened interest in the project, said Sattler.

“The sales and marketing process is continuing,” he said this week. “We are confident that we will get through the OMB process.”

The proposed development was featured in the weekend edition of a national newspaper.

“The site has 60 boat slips and a clubhouse with a games area, a fireplace and patio,” according to a section of copy accompanying a full-colour rendering of the as-of-yet unapproved development.

Prices for the luxury units range from $240,000 to $850,000, and occupancy is for May 2009, the piece adds.

Readers are directed to a web site where viewers are invited to watch a video that includes aerial shots of the site, complete with a computer-generated image of the development as it would appear.

Sales of the high-end units “have been excellent,” said Sattler, who reported that “all kinds of them” had been snapped up.

The project envisions one eight-storey building flanked by two six-storey buildings, and caters to buyers seeking a recreational home without the upkeep of a cottage.

A shared clubhouse, 60 boat slips and 1,000 feet of shoreline are also included in the plan.

Buyers are made aware of the pending OMB appeal, Sattler said.

“You have to have full disclosure,” he added.

Sattler noted that the project was recommended for approval by city staff prior to council rejecting it.

“I am trying to enhance Orillia as much as I always have,” he added.

Orchard Point Development Corporation had agreed to reduce the proposed number of units to 144 from the original figure of 160, prior to council rejecting its proposal.

“We are ready to go as soon as we’ve got all the approvals in place,” Sattler added.

Coun. Ralph Cipolla said the municipality is wasting its time and taxpayers’ money in fighting the developer at the OMB.

“The OMB is going to approve it, no doubt about it,” said Cipolla, who supported the development.