This year has been different than others to say the least and because of that, council in Prince Edward County is hoping to become proactive instead of reactive when it comes to tourist season in the municipality.
Mayor Steve Ferguson brought forward a motion seeking the establishment of a tourism management plan that can begin in 2021.
He says they need to plan better for the same experience as this year, next year, if not more so.
Ferguson noted Minister Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks was made aware the issues surrounding Sandbanks Provincial Park and the four to five kilometer long line of cars idling for hours to try and get into the park, and it is an issue Minister Yurek will look into.
Mayor Ferguson also noted complaints to the OPP are up 25% as are property abuse complaints.
Tweets like this one are quite common this year at Sandbanks Provincial Park.
He is asking for the report to address the effects of increased tourism activity in the municipality this year, including the effects on residents and businesses, roads, parking, traffic and other infrastructure, waterfront, municipal beaches, other natural amenities and budget implications.
CAO Marcia Wallace said they would bring this report forward by January 31 as it will most likely be tied into budget discussions and they would want as much time as possible to implement any recommendations.
