“Can we go to our cottage yet?”
Since our last post almost 2 weeks ago, we have started to receive inquiries about changes to the Stay at Home restrictions. We have also had a number of cottage owners suggesting that, as with other jurisdictions, they should be able to go to their cottage for 24 hours with no outside contact or go and stay for 2 weeks isolating and then stay on after that. There has been quite a bit of talk in social media about this being OK for SFN cottagers to do. It’s not. There are also social media comments that Cancom is not enforcing the stay at home order. They are. We spoke directly to the Band Administration for clarity on these issues.
Response from the Band
Yesterday we checked with Band Administration about this. The Band informed us that there has been no change to the restrictions imposed on April 3rd .
Cottage owners are not allowed to go to their cottages for any reason, regardless of their circumstances.
The only cottagers that are allowed to be there are those that had previously paid for the extra month of April and were already staying full time at their cottage prior to April 3rd when Grey Bruce was a Green Zone.
The Band is allowing local contractors to continue their work on projects where building/septic permits had been issued prior to April 3rd.
Construction for permits issued after April 3rd are at the discretion of Kirk Roote, Lands Management Manager. Cottagers are not allowed to be at their cottage to supervise or consult on these projects.
In its response to our enquiry, the Band also said that Cancom Security continues to patrol and enforce the law.
Following a very recent inspection of the cottage areas, we were informed that the Band did not see anyone at their cottage who should not be there. The Band also expressed its gratitude by “thanking everyone for obeying the rules and stopping the spread of Covid despite their deep desire to be at the cottage”.
May 20 at the earliest
Simply put, the Stay at Home order issued April 3rd still applies and is being enforced. This is likely to continue until the Provincial stay at home order expires on May 20th. Any possibility for the May 24 long weekend will depend entirely on the province’s lifting their Stay at Home order and the Band’s decision.
“When will I get my lease and lease invoice?”
We have also been receiving questions about when the leases/permits and lease invoices will be coming out. Our understanding is that the lease invoices will be sent out very soon. Technically the deadline for payment is May 1st. However, you have 30 days after the due date to pay the invoice without penalty. The final deadline to pay your lease fee without penalty is Monday, May 31st.
We hope to have more information on leases very soon and will post that information as soon as we receive it.
Homeless Canadians
And on a final note. We have been asked if seasonal residents in one part of Canada can return to their cottages now. The Band has said that is not possible. Unfortunately, last year’s experience with the small number of cottagers who were not homeless but still attending their cottage in spite of the Band order, when they did have a place to stay, has left a bad taste. As a result, a number of cottagers are scrambling for accommodation until the stay at home order is lifted. It is unfortunate, but it is the consequence of the the actions of a few.
Be Safe, Be Kind and thank you for following the rules. We will get through this.
Thank to the SFN Council for ensuring all who live full-time there remain safe and healthy. Thanks also to the SCOI Executive for keeping us informed.
Since we are not allowed at the cottage- and I agree completely with the reason – my question is since we are not there will we be receiving a credit on our $1000.00 service fee since there is no service being provided. Could you get a ruling on this and pass it on through the newsletter.
Thanks
Suzanne
Suzanne,
As was explained last year about this time (see post here), there will be no reduction to the Service Fee amount. Please go to the April 15, 2020 post from last year and you will see what the Service Fee pays for and better understand why it cannot be reduced.
When you are at your cottage during the summer months your taxes in your home community do not go down. The same is also true for the cost of the services provided on the Reserve, regardless of whether you are there or not.
I’m curious as to what to do with the grass? It’s a horrible situation for all. Hopefully soon. Long as I’m not going to get fined for not cutting my grass. I do t need extra expenses since I’m paying not to be there. I’m just curious.
Matt,
We have had a few cottage owners ask about employing local yard maintenance contractors. Because this is work that does not require a Band permit, we do not think this type of activity is permitted as described in the Memo from Band administration.
Ty for responding. My. Rich or is a landscaper. Can I hire him as my contractor? He will do it for free for me. Long as I do the weed whacking part. Would that be ok? Once again. Just curious. I don’t want super long grass and just will asthetically look odd. Ty once again for getting back to me. Much appreciated. this virus gets under control. I’m about to get my first shot. Ma already has her first shot. I would not be staying tho. Won’t even turn on electricity. Just cut the grass. Would that be exceptable.? Although doing it free. That’s what he does so somewhat hiring him but he will only charge gas to get there and for the lawnmowers. Ty kindly.
I hope everyone staying safe. We all want to go. For all safety. We just have to be patient. Please stay safe all members. I really miss it up there. But rules are rules. It’s for all our safety and the kind people up that way. Please stay safe all.
Regards
Matt
Unfortunately, Matt, the answer is no.
For those that have paid for April does that mean we have to be out for May 1st until May 20th.
We do not think so. Check with Kirk Roote at the Lands Office. kirk.roote@saugeen.org
Thank you so much for the update. Would it not be possible for the Band to fine or in some way punish the people from last year that disobeyed their ruling instead of being angry with all 1200 of the rest of us who have done as asked? .
Pat,
We asked about this last year and there did not seem to be much interest on the part of the Band is doing so…other than a verbal scolding.
I was thinking they should be fined heavily for the rule breaking so it doesn’t occur again. That will discourage others from doing that. I was thinking that myself. Always a few bad apples in the bunch unfortunately for the rest of us.
Hi all – thanks for the update. Two quick questions – can we extend the cottage inspections like last year? Also, can we have property maintenance companies come onto the property to cut the grass? Thanks again for keeping us informed! …Iris
Iris,
If enough people request Spring Patrol the various cottager associations have said they will consider it. If people are interested then the same rules as last year would apply. You would need to be someone who signed up for winter patrol this past winter and you need to contact your Association secretary/treasurer to express interest in participating.
Can SCOI please clarify with the Band about local maintenance contractors?
Yes, we will do that tomorrow.
We have checked with the band, and they have confirmed that yard maintenance and lawn care by local contractors is allowed.
Thank you for everything you are doing to keep us informed. I do have a concern though. The outside of our cottages are patrolled but not the inside. One year a raccoon was able to get into our bunkie and destroyed it. Our insurance covered it as we had been there within the previous week. If not we would not be covered. If there are issues happening within the cottage ie water leaks from the roof etc we would not be covered with insurance
I have emailed Kirk Roote In the past regarding the erosion and also about being able to go to the cottage as our primary home as we are in the process of selling our primary residence. I know he is extremely busy but I never get a reply. Not sure how we can check the inside with not being able to go there. Thank you for your time
Sorry, Martha. We are unable to help with your insurance problem.
I took a six month lease on a apartment in Sauble Beach from Nov to the end of April. I have no there primary residence. I have been in Grey Bruce, since the beginning of the pandemic. As of May 1st, I have to vacate my apartment. I will be homeless if I can not reside at my cottage? According to the Ontario Government landlords can not evict or make someone homeless during the pandemic. I plan to move out to my cottage and reside there according to the terrms of my lease. I have attempted to reach out to the Kirt Roote and the Chief about my situation and have received no co-operation. I am 64 years old and have COPD, emphazima, and a heart condition. I have been trying to obtain a vaccine in Grey Bruce for three weeks, but can’t get into a clinic. At this stage, I have no option but to occupy my cottage. My only alternative is to be homeless! Any suggestions?
Thank you for your questions. We contacted the United Way of Bruce Grey in Owen Sound who offered these suggestions.
Vaccines: Call 1-888-999-6488 and they will help find an appointment – just tell them you can’t do it online yourself.
Housing: The eviction prevention is only for situations under Landlord Tennant so you could “squat” at your current location after May 1st, but if you left for groceries or a walk and the apartment owner knew, they could legally change the locks (I think). With respect to options, contact the YMCA Community Housing Services at 519-371-9230, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm to talk with the community housing worker. The YMCA is the front line agency responsible for housing issues in Grey and Bruce counties.
David
WOW!!! what a heart you have. That’s disgracefu to suggest an elderly man with serious heath issues go to the YMCA instead of his cottage. Instead you could advocate to the Band on his behalf and honestly try to help him Instead of uprooting the man to the Y!!!
Submitted by a Social Worker who cares about Cecil and his predicament
Alisa:
Thank you for your comment. To be clear, I did not suggest anyone “go to the YMCA”. If you re-read my post, I said something very different. Let me outline what I did.
I received the post early this morning. I immediately reached out to the Executive Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey, asking for her advice. I received a response well before their office opened for business in the morning. You see the answer I was given. Here in Grey Bruce, *all* housing issues like the one posted are handled by the YMCA Community Housing Agency. They have the knowledge, the expertise, the social workers and the skills to respond to these issues. They know the community best and the resources available. Unfortunately Grey Bruce has a huge shortage of accommodation, and this is an example of it.
I also want to make clear that it is not SCOI’s job to advocate with the Band on individual issues. The very best we can do is direct people to the proper person or agency to provide them with the information they are seeking. That is exactly what happened.
The Band has made it clear that their lands are closed until the Stay at Home Order is lifted, with certain pre-existing exceptions. Going to your cottage is just not an option at the present time. In this case, no means no.
Thank you for your concern. These are tough times for everyone.
David
David Shearman
President,
Saugeen Cottagers Association, Inc.
Thanks for the suggestion, but I am retired n live on a very limited budget. I cannot afford to pay for any addional temporary accommodations. I’ll be tapped out, once the lease is due in May (however much it will be). I have been making calls all day and there is absolutely zero shirt term accommodations available, due to the current restrictions.
Cecil, if I were you I would contact Kirke Root and explain your circumstances. How after hearing it they wouldn’t let you go to your cottage after spending all winter long in Grey Bruce region would be asinine. Come on Band and have some common sense for this man.
If local maintenance contractors are allowed, does anyone have recommendations? Just need someone to cut the grass. Thx
We have checked with the band, and they have confirmed that yard maintenance and lawn care by local contractors is allowed.
FYI- our new lease just arrived in the mail today.
Block B cottager here. Got my lease increase today. Went from $6200 to $9000! Outrageous!
And when I hear stories like how good folks like Cecil is being treated, I have no words …except for how appalling this all is! What a shameful time…
I just received my 2021 lease renewal today. It’s up 50%. $6K to $9K.
How are we supposed to pay the Lease by May 3, when as of today, April 26 the invoice has not yet arrived. Can you contact the Band for an update please.
The lease gives you 30 days’ grace period without penalty, so you have until May 31 to pay.
Cecil does not have a housing issue. He has a cottage he can go to during these difficult times …that he pays for. If Grey Bruce has a housing issue, all the more reason for the Band to consider his situation on a case by case basis and make an acception. He has been living in the same region all winter for goodness sake! Numerous contractors are on and off the Reserve daily, yet a fellow cottager with health issues , who is in dire straits, is ignored? This is exactly why the sentiment of “punish all for the mistakes of a few” is so fundamentally wrong, and why the animosity is growing among cottagers. Since we are doing our part to protect the SFN community, perhaps they can do their part and help those few who are in real need..
Hi Cecil we live in Guelph and have a spare room for short term in our primary residence, you are welcome to stay there until the situation is solved, and you don’t need to consider paying rent for the short term until this is over. If there is no transportation I could come to pick you up. Please let me know.