The stated purpose of the…

ERO number

019-6590

Comment ID

82938

Commenting on behalf of

Individual

Comment status

Comment approved More about comment statuses

Comment

The stated purpose of the amendments to the Ontario Regulation 161/17 (O. Reg.
161/17) under the Public Lands Act is to reduce the environmental and social
impacts of floating accommodations and long camping (on the water) stays.

However, one consequence would also be that boaters will no longer be able to anchor in many of our beautiful waterways, for example, much of the Thousand Islands, on the Ottawa River and
much of the Rideau Lakes, etc. (unless out in the middle of the river, which is
impractical and may even be unsafe!).

Thus, Ottawa River sailors and
boaters would not be able to use many of their favourite anchorages like Pinhey
Point, Constance Bay, etc., and will result in severe crowding at the few remaining
(and less protected) spots, like portions of Shirley’s Bay.

Furthermore, the contention that this will benefit marinas by sending boaters their way is false, as there is a severe lack of marinas and most have no vacancies due to existing demand. If your intent is to address the rise in AirB&B and other such rental platforms, then please address that directly and don't penalize other boaters unjustly.