Beach reopenings a local decision
Ontario’s emergency closure order only applied to provincial parks
As Niagara deals with summer weather, beachgoers may currently find themselves beach-bummed about closures.
St. Catharines municipal works director Darrell Smith didn’t want to use “conflicting” to describe current rules that apply to municipal beaches in Niagara, but admitted he sees why some people may be confused by what’s allowed and what’s not.
“There’s a lot of information out there that’s open to interpretation,” he said.
The provincial government’s emergency order from months ago urged the closure of beaches, but only ones operated by the government and at provincial parks. Local closures were decided on by municipalities, Smith said.
Ontario’s recent Stage 2 announcement about regions that can lift restrictions, not including Niagara, says beaches and campsites at Ontario parks can reopen June 12.
Social gatherings will be allowed to grow to 10 from five people starting June 12.
St. Catharines waterfront areas such as Sunset Beach, Lakeside Park Beach and Jones Beach are closed to a typical day on the sand and water, but remain open to people for walkthrough access only.
This decision came from the city, not the province.
“The municipality has the right to close and/or open beaches,” Smith said, adding the city could be ready to open its beaches by July 1.
St. Catharines’ three locations have been busy in recent weeks, especially on May 25 when an estimated 350 to 400 people flocked to Sunset Beach.
Curbing large groups there and at the two others with an approach focused on “voluntary compliance” is being taken, said Smith.
“As the weather gets nicer,
that becomes a challenge to enforce.”
Niagara Regional Police have been called in to “disperse crowds” on multiple occasions, he said. Barricades are in place to prevent use of amenities. The city doesn’t have resources to monitor beaches 24 hours a day.
A fence restricting access at Sunset Beach was recently destroyed. Numerous parking fines have been given out there in recent days to people parked along the road.
Despite signage at Bay Beach in the Crystal Beach area of Fort Erie that reads ‘This beach closed under provincial order,’ the municipality’s communications adviser, Janine Tessmer, said the choice to close the popular beach, and keep it closed, was made by the local government — not ordered by the province.
She said an announcement is expected Thursday about Fort Erie beaches reopening.
Large groups finding a way to access sand has been an issue. One fine has been levied. All Fort Erie beaches are closed — none are open for walk-through access.
When Bay Beach does unlock its gates, the only people allowed to use it will be people who have a Fort Erie resident season pass, available to local citizens, taxpayers and shortterm rental operators with proof of address. Fees for the passes will be waived for the year.
People who live along the Lake Erie shoreline are allowed to swim in the water from their private beach, said Tessmer.
City of Port Colborne communications officer Michelle Idzenga said there has been an increase in activity at Cedar Bay and Centennial beaches, which are open for passive use. No tickets have been given to parties of more than five.
“Our bylaw staff have been focusing on education,” she said. “Those congregating at our beaches have been co-operative and understanding.”
Amenities such as washrooms remain closed. Port Colborne bylaw staff have ticketed vehicles parked illegally near beach areas, and had some of them towed, she said.
She said the decision to open beaches rests with municipalities.
“The decision to open or not is also based on the municipality’s ability to enforce the provincial orders,” said Idzenga.
Nickel Beach is closed to the public. A late June or early July opening is possible, she said.