First let me say that I am…

First let me say that I am grateful and relived that the Ontario Government is acting upon the very serious issue of “Floating Accommodations” or Floating Cottages as many perceive them. In it’s simplest definition the people acquiring these hideous structures are wanting all of the benefits of owning a cottage in some of the most beautiful and sought after places in Canada without having to make the significant investment that others have made to be there. Their accommodation is a cheap used shipping container, their commitment to the environment is zero, and their tax bill is also zero.

The Proposal by the Ontario Government to change many of the laws regarding how these structures will be dealt with going forward is a good start, but is it sufficient to get rid of these things? The proposed changes make it quite a bit less convenient to use these accommodations but inconveniences can usually be circumvented. And then there is the question about enforcement of new rules, and what resources are available to actually do that work. Several of the new rules would involve tracking time, distances, and the specific users of these structures. Is this really practical given the current state of stretched resources such as police that we are currently dealing with? Nevertheless you have to start somewhere.

The argument that may come from the other side may be that these things should be treated and categorized as regular boats. Really? How many of these “boats” would anyone expect to see out on the water moving around from place to place each day? Probably none is the right answer. The fact is that these things should be outright banned from our waterways. They represent only downside from many perspectives to all except their selfish owners. Yet a new industry of some trying to capitalize monetarily from this unfortunate phenomenon is already evolving. That’s is why it is important for as many as possible to strongly oppose this new threat and stand up against it ASAP. We must protect the beauty of our lakes and environment for generations to come, and not allow this area to degenerate into the equivalent of junk yard with these eye-sores in our view.

Sincerely,

Cottage Owner and Taxpayer in Muskoka