As a seasonal houseboat…

As a seasonal houseboat owner I feel the proposed regulation is unfair, biased and reckless.

All vessels should be treated equally with fair and common sense regulations. There are already major restrictions that apply to the operation of vessels in Ontario to address environmental, navigation and congestion issues. Perhaps enforcement or lack of information is part of the problem. But the province should be providing fair and equal access to public land.

The initial input used in drafting the proposals is very biased and has resulted in a poor proposal that serves special interest groups such as cottage owners over All Ontario residents. Wider and more balanced input should have been sought on boating regulation and public access before a draft.

The dramatic increase in the frequency and amount of movement is unreasonable. That and the restrictions regarding proximity to developed areas (ie. safe harbour) is reckless and a serious safety issue. Hopefully, federal regulations will override this proposal with respect to safety.