Letter: Minister Zimmer from A. Collins

Dear Minister Zimmer,

I am a property owner on East Ipperwash Beach and am adding my voice to those of other property owners who are concerned with the removal of the vehicle barriers from the municipal property on Ipperwash Beach.

My family has owned property fronting the beach and extending to the water’s edge for over 100 years. As a property owner, I am not pleased with the current situation resulting from the unilateral action of Kettle and Stoney Point First Nation. This action has resulted in creating public safety issues; threatens environmentally sensitive areas and creates a liability that I as a property owner am unwilling to accept.

I have seen many letters from family and neighbours seeking some information on the progress toward resolution of this Municipal/Provincial issue with the First Nation and in each response we are being advised to be patient and remain calm. It would appear that property owners are being used as pawns and our property rights being held by the First Nation as some sort of bargaining chip. Advice to remain patient and calm seems a rather inadequate response to those who have a direct and significant interest in the situation.

It is not unreasonable to request that those most directly affected be provided with some formal means of input and consultation as the municipality and the province work toward a resolution. Indeed this would aid the ‘call’ to remain calm. In absence of accurate and solid information, rumours build and activism is encouraged. Could you please advise me how property owners will be advised of progress and what the format is for property owner involvement in the discussions and consultation?

I understand the municipal council and staff are working toward a by-law that might restrict vehicle access to the beach; however I question how such a by-law might be enforced without the additional aid of a physical barrier. As well, as an affected property owner, I would ask the municipality to ensure proper consultation is undertaken prior to the passing of this by-law.

I believe the East and Centre Ipperwash Beach property owners as a group would like to see the municipal vehicle barriers replaced now; while talks are underway. The longer it takes for replacement of the barriers the greater the risk to the environment and the greater the chance that some accident or injury will occur as a result of vehicles on the beach.

Delaying this action until a resolution is found is not an option. Ontario has a poor track record for coming to timely resolution around its issues with First Nations. As we await this outcome public safety must be ensured; damage to this sensitive natural environment prevented; and the tourism values of the beach protected.

It would be unfortunate if individual property owners were forced to take their own action to limit their exposure to liability by restricting public use and access to their beach front. As a community we have taken pride in being able to share the beach with the public (including First Nation) and with one another, unencumbered by fences or barriers save those preventing vehicles from accessing the beach. Such a length of open publicly accessible beach is a regional and provincial tourism attraction that is easily destroyed by a vista of fences and ‘no trespass’ signs.

Sincerely,

A Collins

cc Mayor and Council Lambton Shores
Premier Wynne
MPP McNaughton
MPP Norm Miller (MAA Critic)

Disclaimer: The opinions in this published letter does not necessarily reflect the opinion and/or stance of CICA. Accuracy of facts have not been verified by CICA.