Bay Beach blues continue
Fort Erie considers capping visitors to combat overcrowding
Despite the town’s ongoing efforts to keep things orderly at
Bay Beach during the construction period, problems continue to plague the area.
After an investigation Metroland published in early July revealed a number of issues (including bottlenecks at the truncated entrances, and people using the sand for a toilet because the washroom facilities were closed), the town responded by adding more porta-potties and widening the gate to allow easier flow of people into the beach.
However, according to Mayor Wayne Redekop, complaints continue to flood into town hall
about Bay Beach. From drinking at the beach, to parking problems, to what he politely referred to as “improper conduct,” Bay Beach continues to be a place where some people are ignoring the rules.
“We have taken some steps to alleviate these issues,” said Redekop, who noted even more portapotties have been installed, and new signage has been posted to warn people about the rules regarding alcohol consumption and setting up tents on the beach. People were still not getting the message, though, so the town has now gone a step further and hired off-duty Niagara regional police officers to monitor the beach. He said a number of fines have already been issued for various infractions.
Much of the trouble at Bay Beach is a result of a large chunk of the beach, including the main entrance, being closed off due to construction. The town is in the middle of a $3-million redevelopment of the area, and the washrooms have been demolished as part of that process.
Most of the surrounding land at Bay Beach is privately owned by seasonal cottage residents. Prior to closing the main entrance and washroom facilities, the town worked out a deal with some of the nearby property owners to place porta-potties on their land, which is just west of the only remaining public entrance to the beach, near the Ashwood Avenue gate.
Overcrowding at the beach this summer also has the town considering implementing a cut-off point where the beach would be closed once a certain number of people have entered.
Another contentious issue, a fee to access the beach, is also going to be introduced next summer in a bid to make the beach profitable. Currently the beach is a money-losing venture for the town. According to a report that studied Bay Beach attendance, the town is losing about $69,000 each year to operate that space.
During the planning process for the new Bay Beach development, the approved plan included an unspecified fee for access, however, local residents would still be able to go to Bay Beach for free.
“There seems to be a consensus that there should be a fee for access,” said Redekop. What that fee would be, and how exactly local residents would continue to gain free access, has yet to be determined.