I live next to the public beach at Dunks Bay, Tobermory. Many municipal bylaws are posted; no fires, no cooking, no dogs, no camping and no overnight parking. Some are not posted, but understood; social distancing and no drinking. Unfortunately, these bylaws are frequently being broken and are not being enforced.
For example, on Friday, June 19, a group of 12 plus in their twenties were monopolizing the beach, not social distancing or allowing others to social distance and drinking. When they began cooking, I approached them and pointed out the bylaw. After being sassed by several, I decided to phone the bylaw enforcement office. I called about 5:00 pm and was told the bylaw enforcement office was closed; their hours were 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. I could leave a message, but it wouldn’t be acknowledged until Monday morning.
It’s hard to believe bylaw enforcement doesn’t occur after 4:30 pm weekdays and never on weekends. That is when most of our problems occur! Actually, I’ve never seen a bylaw enforcement officer at our beach. It seems their main concern is parking in downtown.
It would also be nice to occasionally see the OPP make a stop at our beach on their evening run up to Tobermory.
Terry Manske
