BEACHBURG — A pavilion, as well as washrooms, could be erected at the Little Lakes beach area if Whitewater Region council agrees to a recommendation from the recreation committee.
Cameron Dube, who is a volunteer with BORCA (the Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association) proposed council spend about $1,500 to have a pavilion, with a cement pad, erected at the site. He noted the area is now used quite a bit throughout the summer months by locals and tourists, and it is expected the township’s second week of the swim program will be held at the beach.
A teacher at Algonquin College in Pembroke, Mr. Dube was approached by a colleague and asked if the students could make a timber frame pavilion for the beach area, with costs covered by the municipality for the materials, transportation and erection of the pavilion. Students cannot legally erect the pavilion under the college’s insurance program, he explained. However, the posts would all be numbered, which would allow for easier erection of the pavilion, he added.
Prior to talking about the pavilion, Mr. Dube said BORCA has been enhancing and preserving Little Lakes for several years now.
He noted BORCA is now starting Cranky Kids, a summer riding camp for kids aged four to 12.
He said people in Pembroke are looking to relocate to Beachburg because of the access to natural resources..
“They want to move here because it’s a fun place to live,” he said, adding, “Other couples, young families, are doing the same thing, looking to move here.
“We’re doing something right to get people out here and using the recreational amenities we have and the great quality of life we have.”
Mr. Dube said registration for the Cranky Kids is April 16 at the Beachburg Arena. He said the program would run about two afternoons each month from June to early fall. There’s also a parents riding program so everybody is busy and moving around, he said.
The annual Chicken Run is Saturday, May 7, which will see about 250 racers from all over eastern Canada converging on Beachburg to participate in the event. There will also be a cake auction and bake sale, proceeds of which will be going back into the trails for signage and insurance.
“It’s the biggest non-sanctioned mountain bike race in Ontario,” he said.
As for Little Lakes, Mr. Dube noted BORCA volunteers have concerns and priorities regarding the upgrades to Little Lakes.
The first are environmental considerations, such as protecting the landscape and water source, which could include electric motors only on the lake and creating a safe means for people who walk or bike to the site; ensuring people pack out what they pack in; and allowing floating docks/rafts as opposed to permanent structures.
Councillor Chris Olmstead questioned if there are any limitations on the lake now, such as only electric motors, and if not, who gives approval for the limitations.
Mayor Hal Johnson noted the Ministry of Natural Resources gives the approval, but it’s usually with a recommendation provided by the municipality.
Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons said the cottage owners on the lake are also requested to give approval.
However, Mr. Dube noted there are no cottages on the lake.
Mr. Dube noted as for cycling and walking safely, a pathway could be created through the bush, which is also the former dump, with the surrounding landowners’ permission, so children aren’t on a major roadway.
There are also social conditions, such as removing the boat ramps; putting in signage and removing man-made blockades into the surrounding back lakes, he said. Mr. Dube said the blockades deter people from going to the two adjacent lakes behind Little Lakes.
As for removing the boat ramp, Mayor Johnson said there will some very upset people who use the lake.
There was also the concern with erecting washrooms and a pavilion, since it will be a busier place.
Mr. Dube also suggested consequences of any projects to be done at Little Lakes be considered. He said, “Determine the limits of acceptable change that you are willing to see happen to such a resource before beginning transformation.”
While it’s great people take out what they bring in, CAO FitzSimons said garbage receptacles would have to be put in.
The pavilion would be about an eight by 10 timber frame with a steel roof for about $1,000, Mr. Dube said.
A concrete pad would also be required, he said.
The pavilion is now under construction, if the township wants it, otherwise it will be sold, Mr. Dube said.
CAO FitzSimons said this is a great partnering opportunity for the township. She also suggested a plaque be put onto the pavilion acknowledging the college’s contribution.
The pavilion and washroom facilities would be a great addition at the beach, noted Coun. Olmstead.
The committee agreed to recommend to council that $1,500 be set aside for the pavilion and cement pad.
