Statement Regarding Ongoing Issues at Maple Lake

As a result of recent events involving private individuals restricting or attempting to restrict the public’s use of shoreline road allowances, the Township of Algonquin Highlands has had to revert to the unprecedented step of initiating legal action against such individuals.

Such action has included the commencement of legal proceedings in the Ontario Court of Justice seeking injunctive relief as it relates to the obstruction or occupation of portions of shoreline road allowances around Maple Lake.

Extensive research by legal professionals and Ontario Land Surveyors has confirmed the land in question is a municipal shore road allowance. All road allowances, including shoreline road allowances within the geographical jurisdiction of the Township of Algonquin Highlands are, as per Section 28(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, under the ownership and jurisdiction of the municipality except where they have been closed and conveyed in accordance with applicable legislation.

Such lands are to be made available to all members to pass over without obstruction or hinderance in order to gain access to public waterfront areas, public access areas or public travel.

It is regrettable that the Township has been forced to take the costly step of seeking the assistance of the courts in these matters. The Municipal Council for the Township of Algonquin Highlands, however, has deemed it necessary in order to ensure the public’s right of free and unobstructed passage over public lands. The legal process is one that is not as expeditious as we would hope, however, it is the necessary process to be undertaken to ensure the protection of municipal land for the public.

Thursday, April 4, 2024

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