I do not support any…

I do not support any incremental bans on how public bodies of water can be used. In a province with thousands of lakes, creating an overarching rule of this nature will negatively impact people who are seeking to enjoy the many benefits of living on the water.

Obviously, any sort of vessel, including floating homes, should be safe for the occupants and other users of the water, but other than that, should be left alone. Floating homes are supported and encouraged in many parts of the world, including Canada. They typically are moored in areas with low current volatility, and most owners will have systems in place to prevent contamination of the waters they occupy.

Housing shortages and unaffordability can be overcome by allowing and even encouraging dwelling on the waterways in areas that do not restrict waterway commerce and pleasure craft use of lakes, rivers, and streams. This solution will be particularly helpful in areas where rising waters make land-living difficult and shoreline erosion expensive to remedy. Float homes are an excellent response to changing tides!

I am assuming this desire to create a ban stems from shore dwellers who fear their beautiful views of lakes may become impeded. The mere fact that they are allowed to occupy the land surrounding bodies of water excludes others from enjoying the same views. This is an elitist mentality and assumption of ownership of a clear view of "their" lake or body of water.

I urge the Province to step back from considerations of this rule.