FAQs

1. What's the difference between "Access" and "Use" of a beach?
   Access means you can walk the beach only. You cannot sit, suntan, watch a sunset or swim in the water.
   Use allows you to use the beach for recreational purposes (sitting, sunbathing, swimming, playing, etc)
   
   
2. What can I do to help?
   View the "How to Help" page
   Become active within the Association-attend meetings, speak to neighbours, voice your concerns to Municipal/Provincial Politicians and attempt to do what we ask of you such as sending us your Notarized Affidavit documenting your Traditional Historical use of the beach areas.
   
   
3. How do I know the beach I am using is public?
   At Ardmore Beach there are a handful of waterfront properties south of the Finley walkway that are deemed to be private although historically we have been allowed to use these beaches. North of the Finley walkway to the 11 th Concession there are no private beachfronts.
   
   
4. What should I do if I am harassed by waterfront adjacent owners, Township Bylaw Officers or the Police?
   Immediately document, with witnesses if possible, the time, date, circumstances and identity/description/address of the person/persons carrying out the harassment and send it to:
   
   Ardmore Beach Community Association
   1771 Avenue Rd
   P.O. Box 54593
   Toronto , Ont. M5M 4N5
   
   
5. Will my backlot cottage property values decrease if this proposal is passed?
   If the beaches go private-yes. In 1994 when Rowntree Beach became private through a court decision the value of backlot cottages and residences dropped 40 %. In speaking with Ardmore Beach backlot residents the overwhelming majority based their decision to buy solely on the fact they were able to use the beach areas. And to those backlot property owners that originally paid a premium for deeded access please understand that under the Draft Vision Statement that “access” will be freely available to all Township Residents thus negating the original value of their deeded access.
   
   
6. Will my property taxes decrease id privatization occurs?
   Yes but minimally. According to an expert in this field the Mill Rate would be increased thus negating any true savings
   
   
7. Why must the public be included in this access to beach issue?
   If we exclude the Public it becomes a Municipal issue and we lose the support of the Attorney-General who has a mandate to protect the Public interest. Judging by the present attempt by Tiny Township Council to implement the Tiny Township Draft Vision Statement it’s obvious they are not in support of our right, as backlot property owners, to freely use the beach areas. You will also note in the Tiny Township Draft Vision Statement we are being offered “access” to the beach areas.

   Remember-the legal definition of “access” is “walk-only. According to the above Draft, if passed, we will not be permitted to lay or sit on the beach. The Township will be accepting our comments regarding the Draft Vision Statement and may be sent to: council@tiny.ca until Oct 3, 2008.