As a boater for more than 50…

As a boater for more than 50 years, I understand the importance of preserving the environment and minimizing the impacts of cruising. However, I am concerned about the proposed restrictions on anchorage rights, particularly the 300-meter anchorage exclusion zone.

Reducing the number of days that a person can anchor at one location in each calendar year from 21 days to 7 days and increasing the distance that a camping unit on water must move to a different location from 100 meters to 1 kilometer seem reasonable measures to ensure cruising remains a temporary activity. However, the proposed 300-meter anchorage exclusion zone is excessive and could significantly limit boaters' ability to anchor in certain areas.

Many boaters rely on anchorage for a variety of reasons, including safety, convenience, and access to certain areas. An anchorage exclusion zone of 300 meters would make it difficult for boaters to find suitable anchorage spots, especially in areas with limited available space. For example, it would be virtually impossible to anchor in the 1000 islands where Federal park islands are in very close proximity to privately owned islands. Each summer, thousands of boaters will anchor in the 1000 islands area. Similarly, a boater leaving from his home harbour in Midland for a trip to the North Channel would have to make the 150 nm trip without stopping as most of the intervening coastline is developed.

While I understand the need to protect developed shorelines and waterfront structures, the proposed exclusion zone appears to be overly broad and could significantly restrict boaters' access to public lands. Perhaps there could be more targeted measures to protect these areas while still allowing for reasonable anchorage rights.

In summary, while I support measures to minimize the impacts of cruising activities, I am concerned about the proposed 300-meter anchorage exclusion zone and its potential impact on boaters' access to public lands. I hope that more targeted measures can be considered to balance the need for environmental protection with boaters' rights to reasonable access and use of public waterways.

Finally, while you state that “ None of these changes would impact a boater’s ability to navigate, including reasonable mooring”, I believe that the proposed regulation goes too far and does not in fact meet this test and, in addition, may violate the provisions of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.