Word from the Chief
In an update released today, June 8, 2020 on Facebook, Chief Anoquot reminds us that Sauble Park is still closed to the public due to high water and erosion concerns. He also says that cottagers may use the beach at their own risk. We are asked to be mindful of both the water level and erosion.
The Chief also asks us to not travel back and forth from our primary residence to our cottage or secondary residence. “Choose one residence and stay there” is the Chief’s request. This suggests that a pattern of coming to the cottage on weekends and going home is not encouraged.
The Province of Ontario has also extended the Emergency Orders until June 19. We remind you that the provincial rules for the State of Emergency still apply:
Maintain 6′ (2m) of separation for social distancing.
Wear a mask if you cannot socially distance.
No more that five people may gather in one place.
Wash your hands frequently.
Refrain from unnecessary travel.
well we are not retired and go to our cottage on weekends.
Are guests, grandkids etc. Ok to come to your cottage?
Our understanding is family members only up to a maximum of 10. No visitors.
Because the original post was made prior to the province’s changes on June 8, the numberwas correct at the time of posting. As of Friday it moves to 10, but the other restrictions still apply. Be aware that the reserve, as indigenous sovereign territory, has rules set by the Chief and Band. When we are on the reserve we are requested to follow Band rules. In this case they are similar to the province’s rules.
Are guests, grandkids etc. allowed to come to your cottage and go to the beach?
No visitors. Family members just as you would if you were at home. Social distancing rules apply for those not living with you.
I have just read the mayor has closed the beach again. Does this apply to French bay beach as well?
If it was the mayor of South Bruce Peninsula, then that only applies to the municipal beach north of Main Street. The Saugeen First Nation beaches are closed to the public but, at their own risk, available to SFN cottagers and Band Members.
So can we use the beach or only swim in the water?
Both.
Great job keeping us informed.
Has the exposed power cable “for WiFi” on the beach between French Bay Rd and just south of the trading post been mentioned? Is it still live?
We have contacted the Economic Development Department to notify them of your concern.
Just to clarify, is it okay for cottagers to swim, paddle board etc now that we are allowed to “use the beach”?
Yes, but at your own risk.
First if all I want to thank you and the Chief for keeping us informed. I’m so happy that we can be at our cottage and use the beach. Do you know how the Band will enforce this? Our cottage is near the entrance that campers from Carson’s Camp use. Will there be staff at the entrances? I know when there was a walk on charge at that entrance the campers walked to the unmonitored entrance. Will we have to show our garbage pass?
Shirley,
Our only advice would be to call CanCom (519-379-4760) if you see what look like Carson’s folks heading down the path to the beach.
Can you confirm if we’ll need to show any I’d ie show our garbage pass? Like Shirley we use the same path
Just wanted to know what to prepare for in case we get asked
Thanks
We do not know the answer to this question.
I can do that but that puts us in an awkward position. Communication with the band needs to improve. There are cottagers who don’t know they can use the beach. And Carson’s Campers are saying they’ve been told by the camp that they can. I think someone needs to ensure that everyone gets the same message. Perhaps there is a plan for July. But we’re getting very dirty looks from people who think we’re aren’t supposed to be here.
If people don’t know about the beach, please point them to the SCOI web site. And always invite them to join their local cottage association.
With respect to Carson’s Camp and beach access, that is a matter between the Band and Carson’s Camp. It is not SCOI’s concern.
Hi
Thanks for the update. Our water was just turn on last Friday. We would like to open up the cottage this weekend. But not start our stay till July.
Can we get the weekend to clean up and open up without penalty?
Thanks Val
Valerie,
We suggest you bring everything with you (food etc..), do not invite visitors and self isolate so you minimize the impact of your short visit.
Hi, has anyone had their cottage well water tested in 2020? Sauble family health isn’t providing test kits during covid. Curious if anyone has had any luck?
All water testing is done through the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit. Pickup and drop off locations have changed from previous years due to COVID-19. The nearest location to Sauble Beach is Wiarton Foodland, 425 Berford St., Wiarton.
Full bottles for testing can be returned to Wiarton Foodland, Monday – Thursday between 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and Friday 8:00 – 10:25 am. Overnight storage for samples: Monday to Thursday only.
https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Environment/Safe-Water/Private-Drinking-Water
Thanks for this, they indeed have the bottles and fridge there.
Thompson Ave is in desperate need to be sprayed for dust control. No matter how slowly you travel by car the cloud of dust is ever present. On the weekend the air in our yard was full of dust, very unhealthy and dirty. Are you aware of the band’s intention to spray for dust control as they have done in other years. This needs their attention ASAP . It is very unhealthy for people with asthma and other breathing conditions. As always thanks for your help
We’ve forwarded your comments to the Works Department. They contract this work out and they may be unable to advance the date.
Thompson Ave and other roads have been sprayed with calcium chloride as of June 20.
What exactly is the ‘garbage pass’ for anyway? They never ask to see it at the landfill site or seem interested when presented. Just the cash.
When you pay your annual service fee, the Band sends you a “dump pass” stapled to your receipt. You are requested to show it. It has also been used in the past to allow beach access. It is a helpful thing to keep around.
Would anyone have any info on where to send water samples? We used to drop them off at the hospital in Southampton but they no longer provide that courtesy.
Looking at the PHO website there is only London, Hamilton, Orillia and Toronto.
Any information you can provide would be hugely appreciated.
See my note above. Scroll up.