Comments by The Wellers Bay…

Comments by The Wellers Bay Shoreline Protection Group (Regulatory proposal – Phase 1 under CA Act)

The Wellers Bay Shoreline Protection Group (WBSPG) represents waterfront property owners concerned with the conduct of the Quinte Conservation Authority (QCA). WBSPG considers QCA has displayed a lack of appreciation of the serious issues and proposed remedial measures stemming from the record flood levels and erosion of waterfront properties on Wellers Bay in 2017 and 2019.

Following these record floods, QCA withheld permits from Wellers Bay shoreline property owners who needed to rebuild their shoreline properties to a level that would provide adequate protection from future high-water level flooding and shoreline erosion, from 80+ km/per hour winds and up to 3-4 ft high wave action.

QCA continues to use the same criteria for permit applications on Wellers Bay shoreline properties as for inland lakes/waterways. QCA considers that infilling to raise one’s property will result in increased flooding of adjacent properties. Wellers Bay, and all other inlet bays like it, being a part of the huge expanse of Lake Ontario, (18,860 Sq. Km), have no such issue. Such raising of property (even if all properties were raised) has immeasurable effects on the water level, and also water levels on this waterbody are controlled by the IJC and not by any property infilling. Just examine the Leslie Spit – 7 Sq. Km of infill and no mention of flooding Toronto harbour!

Issues & Concerns with Quinte Conservation Authority (QCA)
• The same permit criteria used for Wellers Bay shorelines as for inland lakes and waterways.
• Lack of transparency and technical expertise in permit decisions.
• Inconsistent permit decisions between similar shoreline properties.
• Limited credibility with the public and commercial shoreline rebuilding clients.
• Unprofessional and inconsistent violation enforcement procedures.

Recommended changes to Conservation Authorities Act, Regulation 319/09 (as it applies to QCA)
 Rename CAs to “Conservation Agency” or “Watershed Service Agency” and require them to retain qualified professional staff that will uphold their legislated mandate.
 Address the need for CA’s to show open transparency for all permit applications and decisions.
 Establish an open/receptive appeal process for challenges to permit decisions to an “Appeals Committee” of qualified non-staff members.
 Have Provincial Agencies develop Shoreline Protection Standards for residential shoreline properties on the Great Lakes and their inlet bays such as Wellers Bay. Such standards, designed and approved by professional Coastal/Civil Engineers, should address materials, slope gradients and items specific to the long-term shoreline integrity.
 Remove the jurisdiction of Conservation Authorities over residential waterfront properties on such inlet bays, and place any permit jurisdiction under the local municipal development/building approval department.

Conclusion:

QCA decisions and conduct over the last several years have taken a substantial toll on the health, personal safety, and property values of Wellers Bay shoreline property owners. The Wellers Bay Shoreline Protection Group requests that the above topics be reviewed as part of the ongoing review process of the Ontario Conservation Authorities Act Regulation 319/09.
Wellers Bay Shoreline Protection Group Jun 22, 2021