The question of whether to loosen boating restrictions at Port Dover beach will be back before Norfolk County Council this week, following months of public consultation and a divisive debate over safety and access.
A public survey conducted between April and May drew 364 participants, with respondents asked whether they supported changing the beach from a Schedule 1 designation — where no boats are allowed — to Schedule 2, which would permit non-motorized vessels such as kayaks and paddleboards.
Survey results showed mixed opinions: 111 respondents favoured expanding buoy placement to allow for greater shared use, while 141 preferred reducing the width of the buoyed area.
Only 69 supported keeping buoys in their current location, yet property owners raised strong concerns about swimmer safety, liability, and quality-of-life impacts.
Concerns voiced by waterfront property owners included the risk of collisions between swimmers and non-motorized vessels, Sea-Doos coming too close to shore, excess garbage from anchored boats, and loud music from groups gathering offshore.
They also raised liability fears if accidents occurred near private beaches. In contrast, many members of the public expressed interest in expanding water access and allowing more recreational options at the beach.
After reviewing the survey, a public meeting with 25 attendees, and direct discussions with property owners, county staff have recommended maintaining the current Schedule 1 restriction and buoy placement.
However, staff propose installing additional swim markers and clearer signage to improve safety and visibility of the restricted swim area.
These changes would address complaints that buoy lines are difficult to see from both the beach and the water.
The issue has proven to be one of the more contentious recreational debates in Norfolk County this year, reflecting the challenge of balancing swimmer safety with growing demand for recreational water use.