Gravenhurst approves new Public Dock Control By-law
Gravenhurst Council approved a new Public Dock Control By-law, in the September 17, 2024, meeting.
According to Director of Development Services, Melissa Halford, the first draft was introduced last June, however, Council requested that additional consultation be conducted over the summer.
Since then, Halford said that staff have received feedback from area residents and lake associations about the new By-law that limits boat docking for more than 6 hours.
In the August Council meeting, water access only residents of Franklin Park Dock requested a By-law be established for that area to prevent boat docking for long periods of time. However, in today’s report, staff recommended Council repeal this request in favour of a general By-law.
Halford said, “Public docks at our landings are meant to be just that - open and accessible for all members of the public to enjoy.”
She added, “This By-law is an attempt to balance those multiple interests that exist in the community of those that live on the lake, those that recreate on the lake, and those from outside the community that come up and get to share in the beauty and recreational opportunities that our lakes provide.”
Councillor, Sandy Cairns, spoke on behalf of 14 letters she received and 44 properties with water access only, and no marinas, on Gull and Silver lakes that will be impacted by the By-law. She said that these users of Hewitt Street Dock asked to be excluded from the By-law for 30 days to allow for more dialogue.
She said, “They’re afraid that if the By-law is implemented and there is a complaint they may come back and their boat has been removed or tagged or locked and they wouldn’t be able to access their property.”
Councillor, Jo Morphy, said residents are requesting the exemption because it’s mid-season, which doesn’t allow them enough time to make necessary plans because they haven’t had time to prepare for the change.
She added that this exemption would allow them to plan for next season, “and they don’t have to stress that their boats are there for more than 6 hours until they get the problem figured out.”
Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, said, “I think if you’re not breaking the rules and you’re being respectful to your fellow ramp users and your fellow community members, I don’t think this is going to be a problem for you.”
Lorenz added, “This is just a tool to penalize the people who are not playing fairly, like all By-laws.”
Council approved the exemption along with the new Public Dock Control By-law.
