Dunes keep coming up

Town Council

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The Southampton Residents' Association (SRA) presented another deputation at Saugeen Shores Council meeting held Monday, August 23.

Rod McLeod, speaking on behalf of the SRA, said that the group would like to request that Dr. Geoff Peach be called into prepare an 'implementation plan' for maintenance specifically directed to the Harmer Street dunes in Southampton.

According to the SRA, the dune has grown in size during the past few years and one resident adjacent to Island Street  "... has issues with the dune in front of their cottage.

Peach has in the past prepared two reports [2003, 2006] on the Southampton Beaches.

The SRA recommended that a mandate be set out for Dr. Peach to include:

• recognition that both the gradient and height of the Dune has increase since 2006

• that Dr. Peach consult with the Harmer Street residents, represented by Doris and Jim Kaempf and the SRA Beach Sub-Committee and that town also consult with the SRA

• that scrub bushes, trees and weeds be removed as appropriate

• that time parameters be determined to ensure implementation of the plan no later than spring, 2011

McLeod went on to say that the SRA wants to know what the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has to say about the issue regarding the installation of the new pump house and ditch created.  "Since the installation," said McLeod, " this section of beach can no longer be considered pristeen, therefore, we are asking for maintenance.  To say 'no' is unfair and an uneven application of the rules.  Legitimate maintenance is necessary and that's what this is all about."

He went on to say that the excavation due to the construction of the waterworks building necessitated a ditch being installed with the result that the dirt might have contributed to the dune growth.

Vice-Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock, said that the town had had a number of initiatives to preserve the beachfront and enhance the environment.  He added however, that the SRA had his support in dealing with the dune issue.  "The dunes have a way of rolling like a snowbank.  I support retaining Dr. Peach but I also think we have to go with his recommendation because it applies to many areas such as how we can deal with dunes that are out of control."

Councillor Thead Seaman said he agrees Peach should be called in and the town, in fact, has not followed his recommendations in earlier reports for maintenance.  "I agree the dunes are out of control."

Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger, agreed that bringing in Dr. Peach was a good compromise.  "I completely agree that bringing Dr. Peach in to work with everyone is a possible solution that everyone can work toward."

When McLeod asked if a decision could be made by Council at its meeting, Mayor Mike Smith replied that staff would first contact Dr. Peach for consultation.

McLeod then reminded Council that Dr. Peach was an environmentalist and that, perhaps, they should re-consider whatever recommendations he made.

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Sunday, August 29, 2010