After operating in violation of zoning bylaws for years, a LaSalle canoe rental and launch business is finally being rezoned and going legit.
However, the new beginning at 9350 Malden Rd. still comes with a warning.
The town is ordering River Canard Canoe Company to have a proper parking lot and ban unsafe parking on the shoulder of the busy roadway near County Rd. 8. If it doesn't comply, it will be shut down.
Mayor Ken Antaya says the business has been unsafe in the past and that will no longer be tolerated.
"If they don't cooperate or if they don't do what's contained in the agreement, we will absolutely stop the operation," says Antaya.
Mayor Antaya says overgrown reeds are also a safety concern because they block sight lines at the busy intersection.
Antaya says the town is always concerned with public safety and this is not personal.
"Generally speaking, when people are advised they're doing something wrong they do something about it and it took some coaxing in this regard," Antaya says.
Antaya hopes the business follows the rules and the owner regains the town's faith.
"A number of concerns that have been brought forward over the last two to three years. We want to make sure we're not allowing something to continue in its present state," says Antaya.
