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New Magnetawan dock bylaw will limit the usage of public docks, boat launches

Bylaw No. 2020-63 states that docks, launches and accesses shall be used for loading and unloading of people and materials only — not for the long-term parking of boats
mayor magnetawan
Magnetawan Mayor Sam Dunnett.

The Municipality of Magnetawan passed a bylaw Dec. 16 limiting the usage of public docks, boat launches, and access points owned by the municipality. 

The bylaw, which came into effect Jan. 1, aims to reduce the “interference” of persons leaving boats and materials at docks, launches, and public access points which obstruct usage. 

According to the municipality’s Facebook page, ratepayers' concerns and complaints have been heard and the municipality will be enforcing no overnight docking. 

Bylaw No. 2020-63 states that docks, launches, and accesses shall be used for loading and unloading of people and materials only — not for the long-term parking of boats. 

No one is permitted to park a boat at any dock, launch, or access between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., nor store boats or materials on lands owned by the municipality, adjacent to a municipally-owned dock. 

Exemptions to the bylaw include ambulance, emergency management services, fire department and police services; municipal vehicles and employees while working and local construction barges, provincial or federal barges and public utilities barges are exempt for 48 hours. 

Penalties include verbal warning or affixation of a first warning sticker at the discretion of the bylaw officer. 

Any boat found in contravention of the bylaw could be immobilized until the owner of the boat identifies themselves. 

Those found breaking the bylaw could be fined up to $5,000 for each offence.

- Sarah Cooke, Local Journalism Initiative, Parry Sound North Star. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.