By Connie Tabbert
Editor
COBDEN — Bill Leslie is hoping Whitewater Region Township council will help him establish a small fishing boat tour operation from the Acres Road boat launch.
He spoke to council about the hopeful business at the March 25 council meeting. By meeting’s end, he realized there are many questions he didn’t think of, considering all the questions council wants answers to. To help get these answers, Mr. Leslie was advised discussion regarding this business will be held at an upcoming committee meeting.
Mr. Leslie said he would operate the business with no more than four people in a tour at a time. He would also require use of one of the 80 foot parking spots for his clients.
He’s hopeful of growing the business and hiring people, which would increase the number of people employed in the township.
Everything is in place for the business to begin except access at the boat launch, he said.
Mr. Leslie explained the beach and parking area are littered with garbage and empty beer and liquor containers, and he would be willing to keep the area clean, since it’s not a sight he would want clients to see.
Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons agreed with Mr. Leslie about the condition of the area.
“I kayak there and I agree, it needs attention,” she said.
Bylaw enforcement officer Doug Schultz said his concern is if one tour boat operator is allowed to have access from this boat launch, others may come forward. There is currently no bylaw to stop this from happening, so in order to ensure Mr. Leslie would be the only tour boat operator, a bylaw should be established, he suggested.
Mr. Leslie said he’s rushed to get an answer, because he would like to begin promoting the business no later than April 10.
Councillor Charlene Jackson questioned what is township property and what is private property in that area. She also wanted to know if Mr. Leslie had contacted the property owners in the area, because there would be increased traffic and use of the boat launch. She also noted there is farmland on both sides of the road, so the farmers should be notified as well.
Mr. Leslie questioned if it would be okay for people to park on Acres Road if the boat launch parking lot was full.
On the concern of rezoning, Mr. Leslie said he didn’t want to rezone the area, he just wants to use the boat launch.
He noted the business could grow up to two or three tours a day, however, it would never be more than four people at a time, with an hour between tours.
Mayor Hal Johnson suggested this discussion be held during an economic development committee meeting. While council is “very much in favour of development,” he suggested it be “done correctly from the get go.
“This is a sound business venture…let’s just be clear on all the rules.”
Coun. Jackson said she wants Mr. Leslie to be successful, but the questions should be answered prior to him starting up. It would be horrible if he started his business and then was shut down due to regulations council is not aware of, she added.
“Without answers, we can’t answer your questions,” she said.
Mr. Leslie said three weeks ago he contacted Mr. Schultz about this business venture and if there were any bylaws in place, but he has received no answer yet.
Councillor Chris Olmstead questioned if there are any bylaws in place prohibiting anyone from setting up a shop, such as a chip truck, even on council’s doorstep.
Mr. Schultz said he didn’t believe there were any bylaws in place prohibiting that, but would have to do a thorough search.
Council agreed to allow Mr. Leslie to go ahead with his business “in principle” until the research is done and the questions are answered.
