Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and area MPP Graydon Smith, has waded through jurisdictional issues between the Town of Huntsville and the Ministry and ordered his staff to make safety improvements at the dam such as signage and floatation devices.
“I have personally taken an active role in addressing the concerns raised by the community regarding the Port Sydney Dam. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has been in extensive consultations with the Town of Huntsville on a path forward. However, as we get deeper into the summer season and residents continue to enjoy the Muskoka River below the dam, I recognized the critical need for a swift decision,” he said in a statement issued yesterday (Monday, June 12).
“I have directed MNRF to enhance safety measures in the vicinity of the Port Sydney Dam by replacing the existing old signs. These signs will serve as a reminder to both residents and visitors about the importance of exercising caution around the dam. The ministry will also install life-saving equipment, such as a flotation ring, in the vicinity of the dam and are currently working with vendors on options for both signage and the flotation ring,” he said, adding that he’s been in constant communication with Huntsville Councillor Jason FitzGerald to find ways of enhancing safety in the community he represents.
“As MPP and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, I will always strive to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors, while preserving our valuable natural resources in Parry Sound-Muskoka,” concluded Smith.
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Thank you Minister Smith for resolving the political issue.
It would probably assist if the public had longitudinal data that may give context to this historically.
Exposure to nature poses risks, as does any outdoor activity. All life has risk, the last 3+ years of excess deaths are real time examples of ongoing risk.
Former MP Clement coined this Port Sydney affair aptly; it is a generational right of passage that local and cottage children with their parents come to this place.
It provides healthy, joyful family experiences, fond memories and is a beauty of Our Lord’s creation.
River/lake/water activities pose risks at all times anywhere. We hear warnings issued by officials every year. At this place, it bespeaks that common sense reigns: Don’t engage in swimming in spring rushing water when currents are high or if your swimming acumen doesn’t match the demand.
It says much when political dicta has changed these beautiful scenic places for the sake of ‘man made constructs’ for ‘safety.’ Sad that northern Ontario has succumbed to the latter. Previous and present generations do not want or need: All of this clutter; artificial additions to our natural landscape; fencing or intruding signage, and restrictive barriers.
Minister Smith,
I would recommend removing the existing intrusive signs from the beauty of the falls and provide appropriate signage at the road parking and/or access points before entrance. That signage shall include what individual recommended swimming equipment is appropriate and to swim at your own risk. No other provision of equipment by MNR is needed.
As the town is reportedly involved in discussions on this, perhaps they would donate roadside land to MNR for signage purposes only. Or as a taxpayer, expropriating town land to support and achieve this purpose of preserving our beautiful public spaces for generations now and those to come.