Dear Editor
I congratulate Douglas Hunter for his article on the diminishing access to the beaches of
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.
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.