Sudbury city councillors got an earful from residents Monday night about a development proposed for Ramsey Lake.

The plan is for 63 houses and 72 condo units on a rocky hill off Keast Drive, near Laurentian University.

Most people who spoke at the public meeting were concerned about the impact on the lake, where many Sudburians get their drinking water.

Donovan resident Mark Browning said Ramsey Lake is the cornerstone of the community.

"Our lake keeps Sudbury alive in every possible way and it is already sick,” he said.

“This is an emergency and one we should be directing our energies toward."

Norm Eady says his proposed housing development for Ramsey Lake will bring in sewer systems for dozens of existing waterfront homes, and get rid of the septic tanks many blame for lake pollution. (Erik White/CBC)

But Developer Norm Eady countered his development will bring in sewer and water to the surrounding area which, in the long run, will clean up Ramsey.

"Half of the people that were up here, their septic tanks are polluting that lake right now,” he said.

“They want to do something about it? It's not the time to wait."

City councillor Fran Caldarelli said Greater Sudbury has to find a better balance between the environment and development.

"We, as a council, have to step back and we have to start saying 'What do we want for the lakes in this city and how are we going to make that happen’,” she said. “I think it's a real issue."

A second public meeting on this development is expected to be held later this year, after which Sudbury city council will make a decision.