Over 130 tents set up on Barrie beaches over weekend despite bylaw ban
Barrie bylaw states that tents and private cooking appliances are not permitted in areas such as Centennial Beach Park, and only barbecue stations can be used for cooking. However, city staff confirmed to CTV News that numerous violations were observed over this past weekend.
'We had at least 132 tents erected on the beach area,' said Bryan Keene, enforcement services supervisor, citing safety concerns related to tents making it more difficult for lifeguards to supervise the beach. 'Large tents obviously occupy a lot of space and don't allow for as much usage by everyone along the waterfront as well.'
Barrie beach-goers can face fines of up to $235 for tents and $365 for cooking appliances. Beach-goers are also reminded to park in designated areas and not on landscaped or grassed areas.
On the other hand, the crowds have provided a positive boost to businesses that line the beach.
'We went through so much slush and so (many) hot dogs, we have literally run out,' said Elora Bain with the Barrie Waterfront Concession.
With Monday's cool and overcast weather, both Barrie's and Innisfil's beaches were significantly less crowded.
Parking in Innisfil had been a bigger issue for the town to deal with.
'We have not had to issue any penalties relating to tents and barbecues, but we have seen parking infractions. These are commonly non-residents parking in spaces not allocated to them or those without an Innisfil-issued parking pass not paying the required fees,' said Mitchel Harris, manager of municipal law enforcement, in a statement to CTV News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
22 minutes ago
- CBC
Sask. Government to spend $20M on communities devastated by wildfire
The government of Saskatchewan has committed $20 million to initiate the rebuilding process for northern Saskatchewan communities that have been devastated by wildfires. It has also established a dedicated Recovery Task Team (RTT) to lead wildfire recovery efforts. "Assisting recovery efforts for communities impacted by this year's wildfires remains a top priority for our government," said Saskatchewan Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod at Monday's wildfire update. "We know that the road to recovery begins with clearing the way, quite literally and figuratively." The RTT is composed of the ministries of Government Relations, Social Services, Environment and Crown Corporations. They have conducted a preliminary needs assessment alongside communities including Denare Beach, East Trout Lake and others that have been devastated by this year's wildfires. Poor internet connection? CBC Lite is our low-bandwidth website. The assessment has identified three priority areas needed for recovery such as the removal of debris and environmental testing, creating, expanding or maintaining landfills near affected communities and project management support for impacted communities. "As planning, cleanup and debris removal occurs, the Recovery Task Team will continue to work closely with communities to support their recovery plan," McLeod said. The majority of the funding will be delivered through a Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, according to Monday's SPSA press release. It will be available to all communities and individuals who suffered losses during the provincial emergency declaration period or under a local state of emergency between May 29 to June 26. Almost 300 primary residences have been destroyed by wildfires, said SPSA president Marlo Pritchard. He said damage to personal property, like garages, has now exceeded over 2,000. "We're really into the wildfire season now," he said. "We'll continue to look at this and suppress them the best we can." Pritchard said there are still a number of active wildfires in Saskatchewan, which have now encroached on the province's west end. The SPSA has reported there are 67 active wildfires in the province, and only nine of them are contained, At the same time, McLeod said the government will continue to work closely with individuals who have lost residences due to wildfires.
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
Skywatch weather at 6 – July 7, 2025
Winnipeg Watch Daniel Halmarson has your current conditions and updated weather forecast for July 7, 2025.
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
Thompson declares state of emergency over wildfires
Thompson declares state of emergency over wildfires Thompson has become the most recent city to declare a state of emergency over wildfires. Jon Hendricks reports.
