By Sue Tiffin

As part of a public consultation process, a second survey has been launched to offer property owners, residents and business owners in Haliburton County a chance to share their thoughts on a new shoreline preservation bylaw. Respondents have until Oct. 19 to offer feedback through the online survey.

Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Limited and J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd., the companies hired by the county for the creation of the bylaw after significant controversy and public criticism of a draft bylaw in early 2020, have sought public feedback through two virtual open houses, stakeholder interviews and one survey over the past few months. This second survey asks for opinions on topics such as shoreline buffer widths, built-in flexibility provisions and transition provisions.

“The survey is intended to seek feedback on options for a new draft shoreline preservation bylaw informed by the scientific literature review findings and land use planning review findings,” reads the survey introduction. “The information collected through this survey will be used to further inform the consultants’ advice to county council.” 

Responses to the survey are confidential and shared in aggregate form. It is available through the county’s website at www.haliburtoncounty.ca or in print from Stephen Stone, the county’s director of planning, who can be reached at sstone@haliburtoncounty.ca.

A new draft shoreline preservation bylaw is expected to come to county council later this month.