No Early Access to Cottage
We have received calls from a few plumbers who have received calls from cottagers wanting their water turned on.
The cottagers have indicated they will be returning to their cottage on the weekend prior to Monday June 1st.
We need to make it very clear that the Band’s State of Emergency and their office closures do not end until June 1st.
The Chief said he hopes cottagers can return on June 1st. That does not mean May 29, 30 or 31.
So those of you who choose to go on the weekend prior to June 1st run the risk of getting fined $500 for each day you are there.
All Beaches Closed
Please also be aware that the Grey Bruce MOH has closed all beaches in Bruce County. This includes beaches on Band land. This is primarily targeted at day trippers but applies to everyone.
The Band, Sauble Beach and other municipalities as well as Parks Canada have been fining people who have ventured onto their beaches. This restriction may still be in place after June 1st.
Will there be access to the boat launch at Sauble starting June 1st?
Check the web pages of surrounding municipalities; South Bruce Peninsula and Saugeen Shores.
Jan. I believe you are stating that cottagers can not go to their cottage before June 1, but trades people are allowed entry before June 1. Last several messages seem confusing. Please confirm.
Yes, you are correct. Cottagers can come up on June 1st or after. Contractors have permission to be on Band land now.
Are you sure Cottagers can come up on June 1??
The Chief says “He hopes you can go to your cottage on June 1st
and we hope he is right LOL
Since the Chief said, “he hopes cottagers can return”, am I correct in understanding that June 1 is not a definite date, but it depends on things continuing to improve? If I am correct, is it fair to assume that we would hear from the Chief prior to May 29 to confirm?
Thank you.
At this time we assume we can come back to our cottages on or after June 1, unless told otherwise before then.
Careful my friends You know what assume means LOL
Kinda off topic, just wondering what some people are using for internet provider along Bruce road?
Please refer to post on Local Contractors. There is a section there on ISPs.
Sorry, I also had a question related to internet. I am wondering if there is a better or proper way to relay my address to Bell (they can’t figure out where I am). I have one of the land locked cottages on the beach (due to the high water levels) just north of French Bay Rd. I’ve tried the lot # Shore Rd N0H 2L0. The fire route address does not seem to work either. Hoping there was some suggestions. Thanks
Mark,
Maybe get them to come to a neighbour behind you with a fire number on 2nd Ave at a specified time so you can meet them there and walk them in.
We also have a cottage on native land so we know where your coming from . What is the problem with waiting an extra day.Do you people want to ruin everything for the rest of us . If you don’t smarten up we may all pay the price for your selfishness .
Thank you so very much for this great news! Looking forward to time in the cottage while respecting the stay put in cottage. Bring food and supplies etc. I appreciate everything you have all done. I find it interesting reading all the posts. Reminds me of kids who just can’t take a simple no for an answer. Always pushing limits. If we all adhere to the rules it could be a fantastic summer. Happy summer 2020 all you amazing people!!
Would anyone know if the landfill site is open and their hours?
As far as we know, Band operations are closed until June 1.
We assume the land is open for Band members and certainly for the Works Department. If things open up on June 1st for cottage owners, then the landfill should be open during the hours posted in the Lands Department brochure.
I’m assuming that this June 1 access depends on the Province lifting the state of emergency. Numbers in Ontario have been going up, and that’s a very bad thing. If the Province extends the state of emergency, we may have to wait a bit longer.
Given the current situation with numbers increasing, plus the fact that the Premier hinted that the State of Emergency for Ontario might be extended, am I coorect in assuming that the SFN Chief may not allow cottagers to return on June 1?
This is probably a good assumption. We expect the Chief to do another FaceBook update later this week. We plan to post it as soon as we see it on line.
I thought the Chief and Band Council do not follow the Premier/provinces’ guidelines and adhere to their own recommendations, particularly the advice of the Grey Bruce CMO, as pointed out by SCOI …
Since the long weekend, I believe Grey Bruce has had only 1 new positive covid case in the entire jurisdiction, still zero hospitalizations and zero deaths since covid began.
Sue,
Glad to see you are keeping a close eye on the situation like the rest of us. Fingers crossed for June 1st.
It is our understanding that all advice is considered; the province, which has extended the SOE until June 9, the local MOH and other sources. They make their own decision, as is proper.
Can I assume the Chief is now not giving confirmed permission for June 1st per your earlier remark? I have planned my vacation for the first two week of June to accommodate the opening and hired a contractor to do work at the cottage which I need to be there for. I’m worried he won’t be confirming anything until Friday at which will be too late to change vacation plans. Can we not get a firmed update within the next day or two?
We are assuming nothing until we hear from the Band. The Chief has indicated that the Band is waiting to see if the Provincial SOE is going to be extended and will also be taking advice from the Grey Bruce MOH. The recent uptick in cases after the Mother’s Day weekend is obviously very troubling and may mean we will have to wait a bit longer.
Hopefully something will be announced prior to Friday as I know several families have planned their vacation for June 1st as well as our family and plans have been made to accommodate the news of June 1st back to our cottages.
These last few posts come as a surprise after reading earlier that June 1st was a go. We are 6 month residents and have forwarded our mail with Canada Post as of June 1st, discontinued our phone, internet and TV at home as of June 1st and started phone, internet and TV service at the cottage as of June 1st as well as booked someone to meet us there to help put the water pipes in on June 1st. This kind of planning is necessary when you stay for 6 months. There continue to be no new cases and no hospitalizations and no deaths in Grey Bruce. Everyone has been isolating for 2 1/2 months. We share everyone’s frustration with this situation.
John, it looks like you’re are all set to go, just like the rest of us. All we need now is the green light.
SCOI, why the condescending remarks?! Isn’t SCOI supposed to work “for the people”?!.
Cottagers have the right to be upset. We pay large amounts of fees every year and to be told that you’re “banned”. When it came to the cheque’s to be cashed, there was no issue there. How is it possible that you are required to pay the full amount on time but banned? It’s either one way or the other. You pay, you’re allowed, you aren’t required to pay you stay away.
The information the SCOI has provided has been contradictory from the beginning…. one day SFN doesn’t follow the provincial guidelines only Federal and make their own policies then the next its they are following the provincial and the advice of the Bruce MOH. Which is it?
As previous cottagers have mentioned, why hasn’t a pro rate of fees been brought to the SFN’s attention? It’s now almost June and clearly the SOE is going to continue to be extended indefinitely. Why hasn’t there been clear communication been made from SFN directly?
I completely understand why SFN is nervous to reopen, however they need to look at it from another perspective that most of us have all been home the last 2.5 months self isolating. We have a young family who we would never do anything to put their health and safety in jeopardy which means we would never put anyone else’s family in that position either. We’re more than happy to stay on the property and if we run out of essentials at some point we wear a mask etc.
SCOI, I can I understand that you are frustrated with the flood of calls/emails from concerned and angry cottagers. Its unprecedented times. However, it is part of the responsibility of this job to listen and respond respectfully while providing information that is clear and accurate.
Thanks!
Thanks for your comments. It’s worth reminding ourselves that the Band Council has placed a hard closure on the reserve to protect the community. They are asking for our respect for the community. That request is fully supported by SCOI who offer deepest respect to Chief Anoquot and the Band Council.
All of us have a primary residence somewhere. I live in Owen Sound. The primary residence for band members is the reserve. They have the right and ability to set the rules for their primary residence, as every cottager does in their own primary residence, wherever that might be.
Fees are an entirely separate and unrelated matter to the reserve closure. Our lease payments are not a “fee for service”. They give lessees the right to place a cottage on the land under certain conditions outlined in the lease. The lease fee payment deadline has been extended until June 1. The date for payment of service fees was also extended. We understand that the band may permit a longer period of cottager presence in the fall, beyond the normal November 1 deadline outlined in the lease.
SCOI is doing its best to provide timely and accurate information. If it is confusing, we apologize, but we ask for patience and forbearance. All of us want to be back at Sauble Beach.
Ashleigh Weeden, a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph and specialist in rural studies, who spent many summers at her family cottage in Block B said recently, “Rural Canada definitely wants to welcome you with open arms when it’s safe to do so, but that time just isn’t here yet. In the meantime, let’s stay home, stay safe and take good care of each other.” I find that a helpful point of view.
As frustrating as it is, we are saying “not yet”. Soon, I hope. Very soon.
Hi There, we just heard a community update from the Band on their Facebook page stating that “ cottagers are allowed to attend their cottages and start this weekend to get ready for the summer season” is this correct ? We are allowed up to our cottages “this weekend” ?
You’re correct! We just heard the news as well and will be making a post on the website this afternoon.