Beach Access Project

Public consultation summary

At Council’s direction, a public consultation period was held from May 15th, 2022, until September 1st, 2022. Dozens of comments, letters and emails were received at the municipal office and were compiled and reviewed by Council. After much consideration, the following resolution was passed at the September 19th meeting:

"THAT Council moves to dispose of no Beach Access lands at this time. MOVED: Councillor Irvin, SECONDED: Councillor Whetstone CARRIED"

Beach access parcels which have been reviewed for potential disposition

The following parcels were previously identified for potential disposition. Council has determined to dispose of no beach access lands at this time. Where not constructed is stated as part of the description, no access has been constructed there at this time.

Background

In February 2021, Council requested that staff prepare a comprehensive review of Lake Huron accesses. The Municipality of Bluewater owns 75 beach access parcels including road allowances between Bayfield and County Road 83 (Dashwood Road).

Staff conducted the review and Council held a Special Meeting on May 4th, 2022.

The goals of the review were to:

• Identify parcels that are not needed for municipal purposes and therefore are suitable for disposal.
• Identify parcels that are needed for municipal purposes and therefore not suitable for disposal.

A report was prepared for the special council meeting. A set of principles and criteria to use in reviewing municipal Lake Huron access parcels was developed. The full report to Council describing the process can be found through our council portal.

Council received a review of each parcel of land. The following is a summary of key points:

• Seventeen parcels were identified as necessary for municipal purposes because they are the only municipally owned parcels in a neighbourhood.
• Four parcels were identified as necessary for municipal purposes to provide access from future second or third row development.
• Twenty-one parcels were identified as necessary for municipal stormwater purposes. 
• Six road allowances were referred to the Recreation Master Plan for evaluation for future recreation use,  but in any event are needed for stormwater purposes.
• Twelve parcels that are related/attached to land were referred to the Recreation Master Plan, but in any event are needed for stormwater purposes.
• Eight parcels were identified as having public/community interest.

Finally, seven parcels were identified for potential disposition and Council directed that public and neighbourhood comments be requested between May 15th and August 31st, 2022.