The municipality of Chatham-Kent is reviewing all of its public access points to the water after liability concerns arose.
Director of Public Works Ryan Brown tells Blackburn News some people are using some of the areas along the water as private beaches and he wants to protect the municipality from getting sued if someone gets hurt. Brown said there are some concrete blocks blocking a public access point on Post Point Lane in Erieau, but that is to prevent erosion and flooding. He said there is only about a foot of distance between the road and the high water's edge. Brown said the blocks will be removed if and when the lake levels and the risk of flooding go down.
A woman in Erieau is concerned about the blocked public access to the bay. Sheri Bryant tells Blackburn News the public has been denied entry at that point for almost two years and wants public access back. Bryant disagrees there is currently a flooding issue in the area and wants the blocks removed.
"I live there. So, if there was flooding coming in from the bay or crashing waves, I would want my property to be protected just like anyone else. It certainly is being falsely presented as a flooding issue," said Bryant. "We're not asking for a boat launch, we're not asking for the road to be used as a boat launch. The residents want to walk into the bay and have a swim and rightfully so. We pay our taxes there just like anyone else."
Bryant said she uses the public beach when she has company over to her house and they want to play on a beach.
Brown said a report should be coming before council in October.
