While the goal of the…

While the goal of the proposed changes is laudable, the specifics of the proposed changes seem inappropriate. The prohibition against anchoring within 300m or developed shoreline will effectively eliminate many commonly used anchorages on the north shore of Lake Ontario. While staying at a marina might seem to be a reasonable alternative, there are many reasons why it is not. There is simply not enough marina capacity to accommodate the number of boats that would need to use it. Marinas are more expensive than anchoring and provide a very different vacation experience than anchoring. Some marinas such as Cobourg have built anchoring basins, the proposed changes would effectively prohibit the use of any such anchoring basins. I can understand why a cottager would object to boats anchoring near their property if that boat or boats can be reasonably understood to be interfering with the cottage owner's right to enjoy their property, however, the proposed changes make the improper assumption that a boat anchored within 300m will negatively impact the cottage owners rights to enjoy their property. Any boat owner causing a disturbance could easily be dealt with using existing "creating a disturbance in public" or other similar legislation.