The question of what to do with Wellington Beach dominated discussion at Prince Edward County’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday.
Council passed a staff report on improved safety and management strategies for Wellington Beach as well as the village’s boat launches and the bulk water station, recommending that Wellington Beach be free for resident use with a $10 per person fee for out of town guests on weekends and holidays.
Residents would be provided with a voucher granting them access.
Several councillors questioned the logistics of the beach plan.
Councillor Jamie Forrester doesn’t see it working.
“I don’t know how you even come close to managing this in a proactive way. And I think the thought of doing it is just silly on our behalf because I think it’ll be forever a problem for you. It might sound good but it’s not gonna work.”
Councillor Janice Maynard said free access for residents is better than making the beach for residents only.
“Where other municipalities have gone that step, making them residents only, I think if we’re going to err on the side it should be on the side of resident access. I’d suggest that if the beach is somewhat more regulated then you may see the return of the residents that have been scared away in the last few years.”
Another recommendation suggested the Wellington Beach boat launch operate with reduced hours on weekends and holidays and that the Belleville Street boat launch be closed permanently to help manage traffic congestion.
The report also recommended the bulk water hauling station be temporarily relocated to the Wellington & District Community Centre.
Council approved spending $26,000 collected through the Municipal Accommodation Tax to support the activities outlined in the report.
County staff will bring a by-law updating fees and charges related to the beach to a future meeting of council.
