Subject:
support for right of passage
To Whom it May Concern,
I
was born in Port Colborne Ontario, and have resided in the Fort
Erie area for most of my life. One of the most beautiful and appreciated
resources in this area is the Lake Erie Shoreline. As a child
I spent much time at the road alllowance beaches, and also walked
and jogged along other parts of the lakefront. I treasure my memories
of those walks and jogs because the beach was a place where I
could look out at the sky and the water and put life in its truly
beautiful perspective. Even as a child I appreciated the "greatness"
of the Great Lakes.. the origin and destination of their waters,
their shear magnitude, and the diversity of life they support
and encourage.
Now
as an adult, and a mother of four, trips to the beach are treasured.
They represent an important family time.. to climb a sand hill
together, to look out at the sailboats, to run in the waves, collect
rocks or fossils or even get a little exercise together.
Like
many people, I love the beach. In my adult life I've lived and
worked in three countries - Australia and the Unites States, with
their magnificent ocean beaches and in Canada, where I've spend
most of time 'inland'. The Great Lakes are a unique resource.
Access to their shorelines via a "Right of Passage"
agreement would allow many Canadians to admire a vast expanse
of water. Such experiences have benefits beyond the obvious dollars
and cents of tourism or the enhanced awareness of conservation
and environmental issues. Experiencing the beach gives us something
to share with our families, a place to ponder the vast expanse
of the universe, something to love about our country.
Wouldn't
it be nice to experience these things without the everpresent
knowledge that someone could come along at any moment and ask
you to get off their property?
Sincerely,
Martha Skerrett, Ph.D.
Sherkston Ont
Subject:
I don't go to the beach often, only a few times every year. But
when I do go it's important that I don't have to pay and that
I am not hassled for walking past the the "public" part
of the beach. It's also important that there are more beach access
points because most of the beaches I can go to are extremely overcrowded.
It would be nice to be able to walk from one beach to another
without being told that I can't by the rich Americans that live
along the beach.
From, Sam Sunners
Sherkston Ont.
Subject:
Statement of Support for Shoreline Right of Passage
I am writing to express my strong support of the proposed Great
Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act.
As a native of Buffalo who enjoyed Lake Erie from the Old Fort
to Sherkston beach as a boy, and as a current Fort Erie homeowner
who continues to enjoy that shoreline, I view the Great Lakes
shoreline in Ontario as both a natural and, perhaps more importantly,
a social treasure. Walking along the edge of the wilderness that
the Lakes are provides refreshing detachment from our daily concerns
while, surprisingly often, strengthening our sense of community
as we meet others enjoying the same. As a lawyer, I view the proposed
Act as a fair and reasonable balancing of the rights of individuals
and of the good of society.
Palm Desert, California
and Fort Erie, ON
Subject: Right of Passage Act
Mr. Garry Skerrett,
I support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
and urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural
Resources Minister David Ramsay.
St. Catharines On
Subject:
Beach Paragraph from Meg
To me, a stroll along the shore of Lake Erie is more than a pleasant
experience. It is an excuse to socialize, a tribute to nature,
an afternoon well-spent, a sense of community, and above all,
a deserved pastime for all local residents. Anyone who has grown
up in this area can attest to the long summer hours enjoyed on
these beaches, or the beauty of an ice-covered lake in the midst
of winter. As the lakeside scenery changes, so do the people around
it, but the joy that comes with appreciating nature refuses to
lessen. Personally, I can think of few occurances more relaxing
than a casual walk on the sand. My mother will agree, my baby
sister will agree, my teenage friends will agree, and my grandfather
will certainly agree! There are so few experiences that literally
the whole family can enjoy, so why remove one of the few withstanding?
Access to our Great Shorelines should not be prevented, it should
be encouraged, not only as a means of improving personal happiness,
but as a way of bettering our community. And what better way to
promote a sense of community than on an environment like a beach?
Cleanups promote community involvement, summer weather attracts
locals and visitors alike, and appreciating the lakeside scenery
brings out the best in people. Simple beach access is so much
more than an occasional enjoyment, it posesses the means to promote
community and display heritage. We deserve the right to appreciate
our scenery, and we demand our rights of passage.
Megan Sunners
Sherkston Ont.
Subject:
Right of Passage
To
Whom it May Concern:
We ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT the "Great Lakes Shoreline Right of
Passage Act".
We consider ourselves extremely lucky to live on Lake Erie. Mother
Nature at her best...beautiful water, pristine sand and all that
wildlife in the winter and the summer.
What more could you ask for? How about being able to take advantage
of it by walking along it freely. Get rid of the fences, boulders,
private beach signs and let ALL citizens be able to experience
the natural beauty the Great Lakes provides.
Respectfully,
Betty Van Osch & Ellrie Thompson
RIDGEWAY, Ont
Subject:
Right of Passage Act, 2007
We support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
and urge it's implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural
Resources Minister David Ramsay.
Ridgeway, Ontario
Subject:
Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
We support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
and urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural
Resources Minister David Ramsay. As our population grows, it is
essential that the general public has ease of access to the lakes
and that walking along the shoreline is facilitated. How unfair
if private ownership were to trump the individual's right to stand
anywhere on the shores of OUR Great Lakes.
Brampton,
On
Subject:
Support letter...
Hello. Good work pushing the government into doing the right thing.
I'm proud of you and grateful for your efforts. I am a kayaker
and often need to stop along a shoreline for lunch or a break.
It is frustrating when landowners get all worked up over such
a little thing. This is a good bill and the right thing to do.
Our lakes should be available for public good.
Welland Ont.
Subject:
freedom on the beach
WE SUPPORT THE GREAT LAKES SHORLINE RIGHT OF PASSAGE ACT 2007
AND URGE ITS IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH MPP KIM CRAITOR AND NATURAL
RESOUCES MINISTER DAVID RAMSAY
WE HAVE WAITED A LONG TIME TO GET SOME OF LAWS TO WORK IN OUR
FAVOUR HOPEFULLY
FORT ERIE ONT. CAN.
Subject:
right of passage
Remo and kara Petraroia
both of our kayakers and love to go for walks on the beach.
St. Catharines Ontario
Subject:
Access to Shoreline
As a former resident of Ontario (55 years) and one who intends
to return to spend his final years in that magnificent province,I
support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007 and
urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural Resources
Minister David Ramsay. As our population grows, it is essential
that the general public has ease of access to the lakes and that
walking along the shoreline is facilitated. How beautiful are
my memories of the long walks with my family along Sauble Beach,
the Toronto waterfront , Burlington Bay etc. How unfair if private
ownership were to trump the individual's right to stand anywhere
on the shores of OUR Great Lakes.
North Kelowna B.C.
Subject:
Right of Passage Campaign
To
whom it may concern,
I
support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007 and
urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural Resources
Minister David Ramsay.
I
believe that the Great Lakes are natural resources that all Canadians
should have access to. They are a large part of our national identity.
The ability to walk along the lakes would enhance the health and
wellbeing of Canadians and draw tourism to lakefront towns.
Sincerely,
Adam Ciolfi
Bluesky, AB
Subject:
RIGHT OF PASSAGE
Dear Kim Craitor MPP
We support thr right of passage ledgislation before the ontario
legislature
sincerely,
Peter Voss/ Marta Learn
Subject:
Great Lakes Right of Passage Act
I
support the efforts of the Shorewalk Association in bringing this
matter to the Government's attention.
The public should be allowed to walk along the shoreline of the
Great Lakes without interference from the property owners who
may think they own to the waters edge.
This is not an intrusion on their property and should be allowed.
Thank
you.
Sherkston, Ontario
Subject:
The Great Lakes Shoreline Right Of Passage Act 2007
I support The Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007.
I believe everyone should have access to this wonderful natural
beauty of the Lakes
Georgetown On
Subject:
Right of Passage Campaign
I support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
and urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural
Resources Minister David Ramsay.
Growing up near Lake Erie was awesome. We loved going swimming
or just playing around at the beach. However we only had access
to the lake at a few locations where everyone else was congregated.
We always wanted to walk past the fence that indicated where private
property owners did not want us to go. I remember the fence going
all the way out into the water. As kids we just wanted to walk
along and look for things that had washed up, or walk through
the sand in the shallows. I hope that someday these simple pleasures
will be a reality for kids and adults who visit the Great Lakes.
Sincerely,
Rachel Skerrett
Bluesky, AB
Subject:
Dear
Garry
I
laud and support your efforts and those of the
group you represent. As a lifelong resident of
Ridgeway, I have always felt we should have more
access to the lake than a 50' strip here and there at
the end of a road allowance.
I
endorse any more that would increase the publics
access to walk the shores of our Great Lakes, not only
here in the Fort Erie area but on both sides of the
border.
Ridgeway,
Ontario
Subject:
Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act, 2007
I
have sent this today to my MPP, Lou Rinaldi. I am very interested
in getting this bill passed ASAP, and give you all the support
that I can. Cobourg’s Mayor, Peter Delanty, is also in support
of your efforts. We, too, have fences on our beach. They first
appeared in June 2005, and both private citizens and the Town
of Cobourg have been fighting since then, to no avail. People
are concerned, upset – dare I say angry? But many feel that
nothing can be done.
I hope that this is not true, and that something can be done.
You have my support!
Cobourg
Subject:
Proposed Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
I support the proposed Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage
Act 2007 and urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craiter and
Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay.
Fort
Erie Ontario
Subject:
Right of Passage on Great Lakes
We support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007
fully and urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and
Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay. I have lived on the shore
of Lake Erie for 70 years. Throughout my life, I could never enjoy
the shoreline or beaches unless I wanted to pay or be harassed.
Passageways or road allowances were cut off, fenced, made impassable
or sold. Guards with dogs and guns would not even let us land
our boat to make repairs (threats). I use to take science classes
to the lake for lessons and a walk to the Government owned lighthouse
at Point Abino. Fort Erie now owns it but access is cut off. Even
the police at times would back up the American home owner even
when I was on legal town property. I pray that it goes through
as planned and everyone can enjoy and share in the experience
of the environment along Lake Erie.
Before I die, I would like to be able to say to my children and
grandchildren, "You have the right to enjoy the Canadian
shoreline" as part of Canadian lands for ALL to enjoy and
respect. Thank you.
Crystal Beach, Ontario
Subject:
Legislation
Dear
Garry,
Thank you for all your hard earned efforts over the past years
to get this now to the Legislation. I am in 100% agreement that
the lakes should be totally accessible by the public. I grew up
on Lake Erie and have been horrified by the turn of events since
the 50's. Back then it was racial discrimination as compared to
the socio economic discrimination since that time. I am whole
heartedly behind this legislation.
If
there is anything else I can contribute to this important issue,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Fairview, AB
Subject:
beach rights
I
am totally in favour of open coastline in Ontario, especially
on the great lakes, some of whicn are our actual federal boundaries.
You might say, "The south coast of Canada.
Crystal Beach Ont (actually on the coast)
Subject:
Right of Passage
We
support the Great Lakes Shoreline Right of Passage Act 2007 and
urge its implementation through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural Resources
Minister David Ramsay.
North Bay, Ontario
Subject:
support
Hello
Garry. _ forwarded a message to me about the movement to create
a waterfront walkway around Lake Ontario.
I
am in support of the idea of a waterfront walkway around Lake
Ontariobut I see tremendous opposition to this idea from home-
owners whose property extends to the waterfront. The title of
these properties in many cases has been in place for many years.
Perhaps you could clarify for me how using the right of way would
not have to be an expropriation. There are two properties with
water rights in north St. Catharines both of which would be vehemently
opposed to your suggestions. If you have any information to share
I would appreciate it.
St.
Catharines ON
Subject:
IN SUPPORT OF THE GREAT LAKES SHORELINE RIGHT OF PASSAGE ACT
To
Whom It May Concern:
We are totally and unequivocally in support of the Great Lakes
Shoreline Right Of Passage Act 2007 and urge its implementation
through MPP Kim Craitor and Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay.
Growing up in the Fort Erie area we experienced first hand the
frustration and iniquitousness of the inability to walk along
the shoreline of our own Great Lake. Access to beaches even through
road allowances was frustrating and many times not even allowed.
We have strong memories of kids being told we could not even collect
seashells or rocks along the waterfront outside of the dreaded
chain link fence and were always directed angrily back into the
road allowance.
Living in California now we know the difference! We have access
and can walk freely along the coastline/shoreline without duress.
Right of passage along Great Lake shores belongs to everyone,
not just a few. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Kim Lamorie
Bill Foote
Krista Lamorie-Foote
Calabasas, CA
Subject:
Right of Passage Bill
I
support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Bill. I have lived in this
area my whole life and it has only been during the last year or
so that I have come to realize how lucky we are to live this close
to Lake Erie. I have been walking on the beach with a friend and
our dogs and while I realize the land owners concern, they also
must realize that we also want to enjoy the lakeshore. As long
as everyone cleans up after their dogs, and respects the land
and the landowners, there is no reason that a fair deal cannot
be reached. Keep up the good work.
Ridgeway,
Ontario
Subject:
I support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Act
I
support Kim Craitor’s Right of Passage Act
Fort St. John, BC
Subject:
I support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Act
I
support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Act.
C.
B., Toronto ON.
Subject:
Access for All
We
support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Bill
We purchased property in Vineland Ontario,,,, Victoria Shores,
under the assumption, we were told that we would be able to walk
the small beach area,,North shore of Lake Ontario,,, until property
owners of Lake Property made it impossible for any access to this
area,, ,Private Property signs were posted,,, along with verbal
abuse, and spraying of water on walkers.
We
are delighted to read of this Bill being presented to Parliament,,,
all beach areas of Great Lakes should be free for the public to
walk.Its a crying shame what they did with Toronto waterfront,
we can't even see the Lake when driving past, for the concrete
jungle
Good Luck,,,,
Vineland Station
Subject:
Right of Passage
I
support Kim Craitor's right of passage act and so does my wife.
We strongly believe that it is a right to have access to our wonderful
lakes in this province and far too much of our lake front is in
private hands. At least one state in the USA has legislated the
right to their citizens to walk the beaches and we should be doing
the same.
R
& J
Subject:
I support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Act
“I
support Kim Craitor’s Right of Passage Bill"
It
is about time that the rights of the masses vs. the rights of
the privileged few are honored. Furthermore, for the few that
own the waterfront property, many enjoy walking the beach and
the view without ugly fences.
Midland, Ontario
Subject:
I Support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Act
We
support Kim Craitor’s Right of Passage Bill.
Ontario’s beautiful natural resources are there for all
of us to enjoy, not just a privileged few. Please help all Ontarians
to reap the benefits of Mother Nature’s bounty. There must
be a win/win solution out there and the high water mark proposal
sounds like a fair one.
Pickering, ON
Subject:
save the beaches
P.
and M.
we support Kim Craitor‚s Right of Passage Bill. I hope this
bill passes and we could breath a little better in and around
the beaches. I purchased a cottage in the Balm Beach area and
was shocked when I Heard that privatization could be in affect
there as well. What a beach ? It should be enjoyed by all and
a handle full of people want to keep it for them sleeves. Oh how
shellfish they are.
Brampton,Ontario
Subject:
Message for all MPP's
Garry,
I agree with your objectives and will lend support whenever and
wherever I can. Keep up the good work.
Mississauga South
Subject:
Support
We
support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Act : J., R, N., L., all
Cobourg Ontario residents.
Subject:
Support of This Worth Cause
To
ShoreWalk.ca
I support Kim Craitor’s Right of Passage Act
As a lifelong resident of Cobourg Ontario, I was appalled to see
fences and "No Tresspassing" signs on the West beach
in Cobourg!
My family, can trace our roots back over 100 Years, in Cobourg.
My Great Grandfather/Uncles played on this beach as children back
before the turn of the century. And NOW some "johnny-come-lately's
" are going to tell their Great Great Grandson/Nephew, that
he can't carry on a family tradition, that's been going on for
at least these last 100 years?
I fully support free access to one of the great natural resources
of our provence, and hope our rights to enjoy what this province
has to offer will be protected.
I am also sending a copy of this email to our local Member of
the Ontario Legislature, in hopes that he will recognise the injustice
being done, to families that have walked this beach forever.
Thank you for your efforts in this matter, and please let me know
if there is anything I or my family can do to help.
Cobourg ON
Subject:
I support The Right of Passage
Hi:
My
Name is A. M., and I'm a resident of the Village of Port Stanley,
on the shore of Lake Erie.
I
would like to express my full support for the Right of Passage
and as a technician in Oceanography, who spend over 10 years doing
research on beach erosion, I would like to express my full support.
I hope that one day all the beaches from the top of the sand dunes
to the water edge, became public and fully protected by our governments.
Beaches are one of the most fragile ecosystem, and today are under
extreme attack by erosion.
I
hope that one day all the beaches be protected.
In my free time, write environmental articles for The Lake Erie
Beacon, a local newspaper.
Great work.
Port Stanley, Ontario
Subject:
Right of Passage
We
have just returned from a vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. There
is much we could learn from the beach there. There is a public
access way to the beach every 500 feet and a natural grass sand
dune area between the beach and the hotels and homes built on
the waterfront. The beaches are open for everyone to walk on,
sun bathe, swim, and build sand castles. Our hope is that the
beaches in our area will be as wonderful and accessible some day
and we won't have to travel 1400 km to enjoy a beach area that
we could have only 5 km away.
We strongly support Kim Craitor's Right of Passage Bill.
Sincerely,
L. and G.
Ridgeway, ON
