Nothing beats a day at the beach, but some Innisfil residents have concerns about out-of-town visitors who continue to come despite the ongoing pandemic.
On July 5, about two dozen residents gathered in Innisfil Beach Park for a discussion with councillors about those concerns. Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson and councillors Alex Waters, Bill Van Berkel and Kenneth Fowler were in attendance.
Residents spoke about being turned away from the park because it was at capacity thanks to visitors who walked in after parking elsewhere in the municipality.
“Why are you stopping me from driving in when anyone can walk in?” Leslie Pollak asked.
Residents heard that enforcement was significantly increased, with many tickets being handed out and many vehicles being towed when visitors parked where they shouldn’t.
People reported that new measures at Innisfil Beach Park — including no barbecuing, circles drawn on the grass to ensure physical distancing, and a requirement that beach users stay in motion — improved the crowding situation.
But many issues were just pushed to other beaches in town.
“Manpower is our biggest issue,” said Davidson when asked about enforcement at those beaches, adding the town has also experienced some delays in getting more "no parking" signage due to high demand across the province.
Innisfil Beach Park is crowded on most weekends, but the pandemic raises new concerns about visitors, one resident said.
“The non-residents are not an all-the-time issue. It’s a pandemic issue,” said Lisa O’Neill.
Residents heard that their concerns would be relayed at a virtual council meeting to be held on July 8.
According to the Town of Innisfil, nearly 1,200 non-resident vehicles were turned away from Innisfil Beach Park over the weekend, with bylaw writing 128 tickets and 36 vehicles being towed.
Shane MacDonald, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Barrie Advance
