Q.
- When is the next Town Hall Meeting scheduled for the Kemble Community Centre?
We know the Kemble Community Centre is an important hub in the community, and it has been great to see it’s use expand over the past year with the pickleball club. The retrofit plans from 2023 weren’t possible because the grant funding was too limited for the scope of work needed. Rather than piecemeal fixes, we’re looking at the Centre as part of a larger Facilities Master Plan. This plan will help us decide the best way to invest in community spaces across Georgian Bluffs, so that upgrades meet long-term needs and not just short-term fixes.
Q.
2. What is the current status of the Shoreline Road Allowance matter? Has an appeal been filed, and what progress has the study group made? How might this affect property owners within the Township?
Re the study:
The shoreline road allowance is a 66-foot-wide strip of land separating waterfront properties from the water’s edge. Across Georgian Bluffs, approximately 1,000 private properties (about 25% of all private residences) abut a shoreline road allowance—800 along Georgian Bay and 200 around inland waters.
The shore road allowance was established by crown survey and are lands that were reserved for public purposes. The shore road allowance was established to provide for public access to and use of the shoreline and to ensure that in the event of an emergency, support could be provided to all water users without infringing on private property. The shore road allowance is both a right of use of the land that surpasses many others and is most often supported by ‘ownership’ of the land over which the allowance passes.
While granted by public right, ownership of shore road allowances is a complex legal issue, which has been subject to formal, legal claims in the past. To determine ownership and clarify rights for passage and usage of the land, Council authorized an in-depth legal review of all allowances throughout the Township as a multi year capital project in 2024. The study remains ongoing.
Re former land claim:
In 1994 the Township’s predecessor, the Township of Keppel (which included the former Township of Sarawak), was named as a defendant in an action commenced by the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (“SON”), alleging wrongdoing and breaches by the Crown and its representatives in relation to the negotiation of Treaty 72. Within that action, SON made a claim (the “Land Claim”) for ownership of certain lands surrendered under Treaty 72, including (among others) all of the municipal roads in the Township that fell within the area covered by Treaty 72. In practical terms, the affected area of the Township was the area north of Highway 21 and east of Highway 6, roughly corresponding with the former Township of Keppel. The claim did not include lands within the former Township of Sarawak, which were surrendered under a different treaty (Treaty 82). The claim applied to all improved, travelled municipal roads; open (i.e. unimproved) municipal road allowances; and shoreline road allowances, all of which were owned by the Township (as per the Municipal Act).
The Land Claim was heard by the Ontario Courts and then the Ontario Court of Appeal, with the result that based on the recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, the travelled roads, road allowances and shoreline road allowances within the Township are no longer subject to a claim by SON to any ownership interest in those lands.
Q.
- How is the Municipality addressing concerns regarding excessive motorbike noise along Township roads? Does this fall under the Noise Bylaw, and if so, how is it being enforced?
We hear your frustration about motorbike noise and desire for quiet enjoyment of our beautiful community. Our Noise By-law can regulate off-road and unlicensed vehicles, but it does not apply to licensed vehicles like motorbikes on public roads. These are enforced by the OPP under provincial legislation.
If noise is excessive, especially at night or in specific problem areas, please contact the OPP. At the same time, we’ll continue to monitor complaints and continue to have a voice at the OPP board to help address traffic-related concerns.
Q.
4. Is the Municipality planning any changes to its Waste Management collection or practices?
The Township is currently negotiating a new five-year contract for waste collection services. Based on extensive community feedback, council has endorsed moving to a bin collection system, with separate bins for recycling, household waste, and the addition of organics pickup. Organics would be collected weekly, while recycling and household waste would be collected biweekly. These changes are anticipated to take effect in June 2026, once final details and rollout plans are confirmed.
It is also important to note that, beginning in 2026, the Province of Ontario will assume responsibility for recycling collection. While residents will not experience changes in service, the Township will support clear communication and education around the transition.
Q.
5. What is the status or planned schedule for the installation of fiber optic high-speed internet throughout Georgian Bluffs, to ensure reliable service for all residents?
All fibre optic installation projects in Georgian Bluffs are coordinated by the Province of Ontario. Within the Township, Eh!Tel and GBTEL have been the most active providers, with current and future service areas available on their websites:
Eh!Tel is asking that those interested in being serviced by fibre sign up now to be added to their connection list as the project moves forward. They can be reached either through their website above, or at: 519-594-0946.
Q.
- Given that parking can be difficult to find at the Big Bay dock and boat launch during high-traffic times, how does the Township plan to address parking needs for recreational users during these periods? How many public parking spaces are currently available for vehicles with trailers, and how many are available for vehicles without trailers?
The Big Bay Dock and property are leased to the Township from the federal government. We recognize that the dock is a popular spot and that parking is limited during peak season. We’re exploring options to improve access within the parameters of the lease agreement.