Wasaga Beach access private property

Time to consider stepping up. The issue of Beach access and even ownership of properties that are important both access paths AND properties that are also part of our beachfront are being studied by the Town right now.

The Town has recently issued letters to some residents that I understand include a reminder or a warning to stay off of private property.

There are a number of beachfront property owners who have claimed property to the water’s edge but, there are many who feel we should be able to walk the beach freely and set our blankets in the sand.

Access paths that have been used for generations are now the subject of disputes. Until recently, people just had a live and let live attitude. What changed? Well all along Lake Huron and Georgian bay, land owners started putting fences into the water. They told people to stay off of their land.

Here in Wasaga Beach, there have been reports of residents yelling at other residents and even instances where the OPP have been called to intervene.

The situation gets complicated when a high level staff member has a family property that is one part of these disputed properties and signage that looks like it was provided by the town, advising people of “private property” have appeared near there.

So, how does this happen, what resolutions are available to resolve these pending disputes? Until this year, there were more questions than answers. Then, the wrong people got yelled at. Someone with extensive experience in property title and deed searches became involved.

Now, after some serious research by one man, there are documents that have been obtained that show that at one time, some properties were conveyed to the Municipality with written conditions of permanent public use. There are also Quit Claim Deeds that show they were requested as “corrections”, and had modified property descriptions. However, so far… no transactions could be found to justify the “corrections’”. It’s all something out of an old “who done it” story book. But what can be done about it.

This is where it gets cryptic. Presently, the Town of Wasaga Beach is engaged in a “study” of the issue. Based on recent media stories, their efforts APPEAR to be focused primarily on Allenwood Beach. But there is an area just N/West of there where two long standing access paths and the beachfront itself are becoming an issue.

The gentleman conducting all of this research has had an opportunity to have a conversation with several lawyers. One was the one working on the issue on behalf of the town. I was advised that he was told, that lawyer had not looked as far back or as deeply as this citizen had.

So, with everything the Town is doing being part of a big secret, do the citizens who will be affected have to retain their own lawyer? Will the Town fight to maintain and ensure access through these paths and along the shore?

If not… what will that mean? Will fences be erected? Will all of the real estate listings for what are considered back lot properties now be worth $50,000.00 less? Will the beach front owners now have quarter million dollar enhancements because it is “their” beach?

Do you belong to the Wasaga Beach RatePayers Association? If so, isn’t this the type of situation they should lobby for? Maybe start phoning your friends and ask if they got the “Private Property” municipal update letter.

I do know a few people are eager to actually engage a lawyer and get some letters sent off to ensure no conveyances happen without true public input. Let’s be clear… the Town has said they will have public input, but they have also said they are proceeding with seeking a “Vesting Order” regarding certain lands. So, when will the public input happen? After the Town has done what they want?

I do know a number of well connected business people in town who are interested in this issue. For those on Council who THINK they are doing the right thing, hear this…. When I asked if any of them might take the lead in moving this forward, they all said they couldn’t risk the Town taking offense to their involvement and punishing their business. Now THAT is sad!

I have a few other commitments at this time, so it won’t be me that takes a lead in this.

However, an email has been set up so anyone wanting to play a roll in this can reach out privately and offer their assistance.

Remember… there are beachfront properties and public access points from one corner of Wasaga Beach to the other. What happens in one area will undoubtedly have at least the OPPORTUNITY to follow suit.

I’m not trying to sound like an alarmist, but if you saw the wide variety of documents and listened to the first hand stories of the OPP involvement in telling people to avoid contested land and dangerous yelling matches, you would be first in line to get involved.

Use this email, to reach those who will lead this initiative;

Email- Wasagabeachresidents@gmail.com

At the very least, call your friends that you know use beach access paths. Ask if they are aware if those paths have been included in parcels of land the Town of Wasaga Beach has already listed as SURPLUS. (A first step in selling land)

The time to get this going is now and I know there are a few people willing to put some resources towards it. Don’t allow this to even become an election issue in 18 months. Instead, eliminate it from the platforms by forcing Council to protect our Beaches and ALL access paths…. Before it is too late!