Despite pleas from several community members and more than 55 letters of opposition, Lake of Bays council approved staff’s recommendation to discontinue maintaining the Raven Lake landing and parking lot.
The landing is located directly off Hwy 35, just south of Dorset and is the only public access point to Raven Lake. It is also the only access point to the lake for 97 water-access residents as well as other lake residents, first responders, utility companies, community groups, and recreational users. The western portion of the lake touches highway 35 in the Lake of Bays Township while most of the lake is in the Township of Algonquin Highlands.
The review and resulting Lake of Bays staff recommendation was prompted by an application from the Raven Lake Cottage Association to install a new dock system on Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF) lands at the Raven Lake Landing, according to the staff report.
Council heard repeatedly that although the Township of Lake of Bays has been maintaining the access point for more than 30 years, it is not owned by the municipality but by the province of Ontario.
Steve Peace, superintendent of public works for the Township, told council that on the advice of the municipality’s solicitor and insurance provider, the municipality should cease maintenance on the property.
Several councillors said they did not want to create a divisive situation and suggested the municipality could give residents time to come up with an alternate solution.
Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover said the municipality risks issues related to liability particularly as it doesn’t own the property and cannot be properly insured.
In the end, council agreed to continue maintaining the site until April 10. It will send a letter notifying the Ministry of its withdrawal.
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Is there a public access launch ramp on Raven Lake?