The Blue Mountains council is hoping a simple sign change will ease concerns about waterfront access on Wards Road.
In September, local residents Lisa Dufraimant and Kathleen Gates spoke to council about their concerns about “no stopping” signs on Wards Road near the waterfront. They said the signs were essentially prohibiting the stopping of vehicles to drop off those wishing to access the waterfront. They also noted that it was forcing people to park on the other side of Highway 26 and then cross the highway to get to the water.
At a Nov. 27 committee of the whole meeting, councillors were pleased to find out that town staff had changed the “no stopping” signs to “no parking” signs.
“That is already a response,” said Coun. Paula Hope. “There has been action.”
The “no stopping” signs were put up during the COVID-19 pandemic as a crowd control measure. Parking will continue to be prohibited in the area – as there is relatively little space and concerns about driveways being blocked, but stopping and dropping off will be possible.
Coun. Gail Ardiel said she was pleased with the outcome.
“I do like the idea of an unloading area,” she said, noting that the reality is that local residents will use the area to get to the water. “This has been used over 50 years as a beach access. People still will use it as a beach access.”
