Скачать или смотреть Tiny Township Residents Bridge Divides Over Beach Policies Through Peaceful, Passionate Discussion

A passionate and peaceful discussion that took place outside Tiny Township Hall before Tuesday’s special public planning meeting on the township’s Dynamic Beach Management Policies and bylaws.

The town introduced the policies claiming they would safeguard the environment, but residents have criticized them.

A key feature of the policy includes a 45-meter (approximately 147 feet) setback from the 100-year flood level, limiting where structures can be built or modified. This would require permits even for minor activities such as digging a flower bed or repairing a deck.

The discussion exemplified how healthy, passionate, and peaceful public discourse can help inform and educate local residents.

Several residents shared their concerns with Simcoe Community Media and reiterated them during the official meeting, stating that the new beach management policies are dividing shoreline residents from the rest of the community.

One participant (Speaker 2), who initially appeared unfamiliar with the issue, claimed shoreline residents opposed the policies because they were unconcerned about the environment and wanted to build closer to the water. However, shoreline residents clarified that they actually want to build farther from the water and find the proposed regulations overly restrictive—preventing even basic maintenance without permits.

By the end of the exchange, the woman acknowledged her limited understanding of the issue. Her openness, along with input from others, highlighted the value of open dialogue in helping residents grasp the complexities of local policy.

One resident, Angela Vos, also suggested that the township may be implementing these policies in response to public opposition to the $25 million town hall project and other civic activism.