Tessa Swanton (Townson), Bruce Peninsula Press
Four concerned ratepayers of Big Tub Road and China Cove in Tobermory united to prepare a detailed questionnaire for candidates seeking election in the upcoming 2026 Municipal Election in Northern Bruce Peninsula (NBP). The draft survey was emailed to over 100 ratepayers who object to the Municipality using 213 Big Tub Road (purchased by the Municipality in 2024) to construct a parking lot and parkette for tourists to access Big Tub Lighthouse. The land is currently undergoing a zoning by-law amendment to become classified as Open Space. Decisions regarding the land’s future are currently on hold until the new 2026-2030 Council is elected at the end of the month.
An interview with Big Tub resident Dr Mike Sehl gave insight into the survey’s purpose as well as concerns from Tobermory residents.
The residents first became aware of the land purchase in December 2024 while reading Council meeting minutes. Sehl expressed concern with the Municipality’s handling of the Big Tub Road situation, which he believes has not received proper public consultation.
The road has been described as narrow, congested with people and vehicles, and overvisited due to no proper plan being in place to manage the overtourism. These issues contribute to disgruntled tourists who can become irate with residents posing a major safety concern for everyone, especially ratepayers in the vicinity.
Sehl compared the scenario to Cabot Head Road, a popular tourism destination at the end of a municipal road. Cabot Head Road has been given significant staff and Council attention including public meetings, surveys, and hiring of external consultants (Clerks on Call) to collect and share data to find a favourable solution to access the historic lighthouse without disrupting the Dyers Bay community.
“The main focus of the survey is that we think that all neighbourhoods should be treated the same and fairly, and it’s our opinion that Big Tub Road isn’t,” said Dr Sehl. “We want tourists to come here and have a joyful rewarding experience that makes them want to come back to Tobermory.”
He mentioned that neighbours have countless stories of conflict and abuse from unhappy tourists. “The answer is not to stop tourism, it’s to have a plan that makes it a positive experience.” He referred to the Active Transportation Plan developed by former councillor Megan Myles. The group thinks the solution to the problem may be constructing a paid parking lot outside of Tobermory village with a shuttle service that buses tourists to popular locations.
The survey is broken down into eight sections:
• Section 1 focuses on candidate visions and priorities, questioning how they will balance tourism, environmental protection, community character, permanent and seasonal residents, and local businesses.
• Section 2 asks how candidates will improve visitor experiences. The survey asks how candidates will ensure STAs do not undermine the Municipality’s ability to remain a viable year-round community.
• The next section focuses on candidates explaining their approach to reducing congestion in Tobermory including their opinions on shuttle services, reservations, cycling infrastructure, waterfront attraction congestion, and an active transportation or visitor management strategy.
• Section 4 questions development on environmentally, culturally or archeologically significant lands and how MNBP should consult with Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
• Plans for 213 Big Tub Road had its own heading.
• Candidates were then asked to share their criteria to determine which future capital projects should proceed and why. The survey asked candidates for their opinion on property tax increases.
• Candidates were also asked if they believe that all neighbourhoods deserve the same standard of public notice, consultation, and enforcement.
To read the survey results, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gx1d9CQXotZU-y4rKvv5I5yWAMrmXNYo/view
