Township seeks injunction on Maple Lake access restrictions

Algonquin Highlands is turning to the courts to settle a dispute about public access to Maple Lake.

The fracas stems from private individuals allegedly restricting public use of shoreline road allowances. It’s been an ongoing dispute since at least February.

The township said in a statement April 4 that it “has had to revert to the unprecedented step of initiating legal action against such individuals.”

The municipality seeks an injunction on the alleged activity that relates to the obstruction or occupation of parts of the shoreline road allowances around Maple Lake. “Extensive research by legal professionals and Ontario land surveyors has confirmed the land in question is a municipal shore road allowance,” the statement read.

“All road allowances, including shoreline road allowances within the geographical jurisdiction of the Township of Algonquin Highlands are, as per Section 28(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, under the ownership and jurisdiction of the municipality except where they have been closed and conveyed in accordance with applicable legislation.” The statement adds that such lands are to be made available to all members to pass over without obstruction or hinderance in order to gain access to public waterfront areas, public access areas, or public travel. Mayor Liz Danielsen said the April 4 press release is the only official statement that can be made while the matter is before the courts.

“It's an unfortunate situation and, even more so, given the time it takes to deal with an issue like this through the courts,” Danielsen said.

In the statement, the township said being forced to take the costly step of seeking the assistance of the courts is regrettable. But it’s necessary to ensure the public’s right of free passage over public lands.

“The legal process is one that is not as expeditious as we would hope. However, it is the necessary process to be undertaken to ensure the protection of municipal land for the public.”

A February press release from the township referenced “ongoing events” near a public access to the lake along North Shore Road near its intersection with Dawson Road.

“This property has traditionally been used, for decades, for emergency access and ice fishing,” the statement said. “A small group of area residents is making claims they own the property and have been expressing this to members of the public attempting to access the lake.”

There’s been much misinformation being circulated in the community and on social media channels regarding private ownership claims. Those claims have not been corroborated through any documentation.

“If members of the public feel harassed or threatened at any time while accessing this property, they are encouraged to contact the Haliburton Highlands OPP who are aware of the ongoing issues,” the township said in February.

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James Matthews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Haliburton County Echo