The Town of South Bruce Peninsula says its paid parking program is set to return June 1st and run until the September Labour Day long weekend.
An Ontario Superior Court ruling April 3rd, decided the beach belonged to Saugeen First Nation from its existing reserve lands at the iconic Sauble Beach sign up to roughly 7th Street North.
The Town of South Bruce Peninsula decided to ask the court for an appeal, citing, as one concern, a desire for clarity with regard to where Saugeen First Nation’s reserve land’s eastern boundary is. The court did include in its discussion, lands east of Lakeshore Boulevard.
Meanwhile, on Friday May 12th, Saugeen First Nation released a statement saying it does not consider Lakeshore Boulevard to be part of reserve lands or any of the lands east of the road. The First Nation said “A formal survey is required and would be welcomed by Chief and Council, but in the meantime, there is no doubt about where boundaries are for practical purposes.”
Now, following that statement, while still having requested an appeal, the Town of South Bruce Peninsula says it will continue its seasonal paid parking program.
That will draw revenue from those who park on Lakeshore Boulevard to use the now Saugeen First Nation beach land up to about 7th Street North.
North of 7th Street, the beach still belongs to the Town.
A release from the Town says, “Following the recent Land Claim ruling, Town staff have reached out to the Saugeen First Nation and offered to discuss revenue sharing opportunities.”
The Town did not say in its release if there has been any progress in such a discussion, or what possible revenue sharing options may be considered.
It does say the parking rate will remain unchanged from 2022 at $7/hour or $30 daily rate. Seasonal passes for residents can be purchased by contacting town hall at $50 per vehicle.
Season passes for non-residents can be purchased for $200 per vehicle at the machines after June 1st, by using the Passport Parking Canada app or website.
