Letter: Minister Zimmer from Dr. Dodge
Minister Zimmer,
I am a property owner on east Ipperwash, adjacent to the public park. My family has enjoyed summering at Ipperwash as renters since the 1920s, and have owned property on the beach since 1971. Our property extends from east parkway drive, across the dunes and on to the water’s edge.
Our family is distressed by the recent removal of the vehicle barriers. This creates issues for us on several fronts.
Safety
I remember vividly when my cousin, while playing along the beach, was struck by a car and rushed to the hospital to spend the rest of her summer in traction in an effort to heal a badly shattered leg. Adding moving vehicles to the mix of beach chairs, children, and sand castles can result in only bad things happening.
Environment
The impact of motor vehicles on sensitive dunes and shores cannot be overestimated. The microbes that attract birds and sustain fishes are within the sands along the shore. Compacting the shore sands makes it impossible for the micro-organisms to survive, removing the food source, changing the delicate balance of the natural system. This is a declared area of environmental sensitivity. It requires thoughtful stewardship.
Liability
Should there be vehicles driving the beach, on my land or my neighbors’, who will set and enforce speed limits? Who will arrest people driving irresponsibly? Under the influence of alcohol? Who will be held responsible for those who cannot control themselves or their vehicles? Am i to assume responsibility for the actions and misdeeds of people i do not know, who happen to be on my land without my permission, doing things of which i do not approve?
Property rights
Our deeds tell us we own the land to the water’s edge. If i own the land, why is it okay for someone i don’t know, who is not a government official, to tell me people can drive on my land? I don’t want cars there. Cars have not been there for 40 years. How is it such pronouncements can be made without the express permission of each individual land owner?
Civil obedience
We have, as property owners, been asked to settle this matter through ‘proactive relationships, discussions held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding’. Bressette sank that ship. I would not consider it polite, or respectful to show up with an excavator to destroy property paid for and installed by and for the landowners. We are playing by the rules of law. Should not Bressette?
Precedent
If Bressette is allowed to ignore the deeds and contracts of property owners at Ipperwash, why would he respect the rights of property owners in any other area? Is port franks next? Toronto? Ottawa?
Dispute resolution
The premier has suggested those of us who have issues with the barrier removal contact the opp. As you likely are aware, the OPP stood by and watched as Bressette destroyed the vehicle barriers our community had put in place 40 years earlier. If i had destroyed that same property, i doubt the OPP would have stood by and watched. You can understand why our trust in the OPPs ability to enforce our property rights has been seriously diminished.
Issue scope
This may appear to be a local issue. It is not. If Bressette is allowed to declare what he wants, and just go take it, what is to prevent him or other first nations from claiming the entire province? If he is allowed to ignore the contracts, deeds and rights of others as outlined in Canadian law, is he not, de facto, undermining the entire legal structure of the country? If the laws of Canada do not apply to first nations in the same way they apply to other Canadians, the problem is, indeed, a large one.
We have enjoyed Ipperwash for four generations, owning property for 45 years. Never in that time have we prevented any member of the public from using the beach that fronts our property. I do not want to be the first generation compelled to block off the beach and prevent free access to protect the dunes and the safety of the parents who want to spend a day building sand castles with their children.
As responsible property owners, we cannot allow cars on the beach. The vehicle barriers should be replaced immediately.
I look forward to your support of the sensitive Ipperwash dunes and the preservation of the rights of the many land owners along the beach.
Ad astra,
Dr. Delf Dodge
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.