For over four years the CHA and its member associations have been lobbying for a bylaw to protect our shorelines. The purpose of the by law is to help protect our water quality by protecting the small amount of natural shoreline we have left. The first tenet of the DSPLOA is “to protect the environment of the lakes” so naturally the Executive of the association is supportive of these efforts and the bylaw. The record number of algae blooms that were reported in the County this year is just one example that demonstrates the need for this bylaw as natural shoreline captures the phosphorous that can trigger a bloom. One algae bloom on our lakes can have a significant negative impact to property values. The Ministry of Environment’s action plan on reducing blue green algae blooms identifies natural shorelines as a very important line of defense in preventing phosphorous from entering the lake.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation being circulated about the proposed bylaw – in the papers, online and in emails. Your DSLPOA Executive encourage all members to inform themselves by reviewing the CHA information, the County information and the reporting in the three local newspapers. Once informed, then decide whether you feel strongly enough to provide feedback to the County and/or our municipal representatives on the Council.
In order to assist our members becoming informed, your DSLPOA Executive has gathered fact sheets published by the CHA as well as the contact information for the Council Councilors – see below for links.
The public meeting for the proposed Shoreline Preservation bylaw will be held on February 24th between 1 and 4 pm. Prior to the meeting the County is accepting comments on its “Wade In” Platform at https://wadein.haliburtoncounty.ca/shoreline-preservation-by-law. The bylaw itself and supporting documents can be found at the same site.
Respectfully,
Your DSLPOA Executive
FACT SHEETS
The Benefits of Natural Shorelines – click here
Why 30 meters – click here
Bylaw Fact Sheet – click here
Information and Misinformation – click here
County Council Contact Info – click here