In a past issue of the Bruce Peninsula Press (Issue #13, August 17-31, 2021), I submitted a letter to the editor outlining my concern with a sign, “AREA CLOSED AT 9PM” erected by the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula at the public dock/boat launch on Burma Road in the township of Eastnor. I also forwarded a copy of this to the MNBP at that time.
I am of the opinion that closing or forbidding entry to a public area is contradictory to the interests of our community. I don’t understand why the honourable members of the MNBP do not see the negative consequences and implications. I feel I have no choice other than to again write a “letter to the editor” and forward a copy to the MNBP. This may eventually persuade the municipality to remove the signage.
Now you may ask, “Why doesn’t he just go there, and ignore the sign?” Well, it’s the principle of the matter. I have also heard that disobeying the intent of the sign may result in a $700 fine. There is another matter; abutting the public dock area is a private residence with no distinctly marked border indicating the property line between the two. The house has an upstairs balcony overlooking the dock and bay. Anyone visiting the dock can be observed from the balcony and windows. As no one is allowed to visit the dock area after 9pm, one could be surveilled upon. There are no other residences in proximity to the area.
With the abutting property in mind, I must ponder the reasoning for the ‘Area Closed at 9pm’ sign. Perhaps the occupants of the private residence are concerned about public trespassing onto their private property? This should not be concerning. Just clearly mark the border between the private residence and the public dock area. Problem solved! Again, no need at all for the public dock grounds to be closed at anytime whatsoever.
You the reader may ask, “Why is he so adamant for removal of the Area Closed at 9pm signage?”. It is because the sign is abrasive, unnecessary and contradictory to our rights and freedoms. It is also because it’s the only place in the area where one can visit the shores of Lake Huron and view the North sky for stars and Northern Lights. Every other place along the shore road is ‘Private Property’.
I implore the municipality to rethink this humiliating situation. Please remove the “AREA CLOSED AT 9PM” signage.
Peter ten Cate
