PUBB Letter to the Editor Following Beach Article

 

Dear Editor

 

I congratulate Douglas Hunter for his article on the diminishing access to the beaches of Tiny Township. 

 

We agree with Mr. Hunter regarding the need for the provincial government to protect the public’s right to use the shorelines of our province.  It is the role of the Attorney General to be the “guardian of the public interest” and it says so within the first few lines on the Ministry’s web site.  A local group known as Preserving the Use of Balm Beach (PUBB) has repeatedly asked his office to exercise its mandate but the only advice they give is to “get a lawyer”.  The public should not need a lawyer to defend its rights, that is the job of the Attorney General.

 

Although we appreciate their efforts in trying to engage the Attorney General, the municipality can do more.  Tiny Township council has the power to prevent fences from being built on the beaches. 

 

This was a major topic at a public meeting held on August 11 and a deputation to council by PUBB on August 13.  In its deputation, PUBB listed six reasons why a there should be a bylaw that prevents fences from being built on the beach, not the least of which is to conform with the intent, purpose and specific provisions of the Official Plan.

 

We hope that council will fulfill their part in keeping our beaches barrier free.

 

Article on the Beach Problem in Midland Free Press

In the Friday August 17 issue of the Midland Free Press, Douglas Hunter wrote a good article describing why the province should get involved in guaranteeing public access to our beaches.

 

For the next week it will be available at www.midlandfreepress.com  and follow the links   Inside Today/Editorial>Death, Taxes and Tiny beaches.

PUBB Deputation to Council

 

On Monday, August 13, Doug Lorriman presented a deputation to the Tiny Township Council Committe of the Whole.  The presentation was based on the open letter to council posted earlier on this Blog but also included some discussion on items raised since the writing of the letter.  Items such as beach stewardship stemming from a recent conference regarding caring for our beaches and points raised at the Public Meeting on fencing issues held on August 11.

 

The council chambers were filled with interested parties, most of whom strongly supported the message to urge council to pass regulations to restrict the further placing of fences or other obstructions on our beaches.

 

The conclusion of the presentation follows:

 

Council should take action to restrict the placing of fences and other permanently placed items on the beach:

 

• To follow through on statements made during the election campaign
• To act on the recommendation in the Consultant’s Report
• To provide access for service and emergency vehicles
• To practice good stewardship of our valuable non-renewable resource
• To prevent major problems if and when the water levels should rise again.
• To uphold the intent, purpose and provisions of the Official Plan

 

Each one important in itself but together a very compelling case, we hope you will agree.

PUBB CORN ROAST

Date:        Saturday, August 25

Time:        Noon to late afternoon

Place:       The parkette at Balm Beach

 

Come and enjoy this community event.

 

Hot Dogs

Corn on the Cob

Cold Drinks

 

Donations to PUBB will be accepted.

PUBB Deputation to Council

PUBB will make a 15 minute presentation to Tiny Township Council on August 13 ato 1:15 pm.  Plan to attend and show your support.