Algonquin Highlands trails staff are hopeful that signage could stop trespassing onto private property.
Cars parking on privately owned roads is why the Algonquin Highlands Parks, Rec and Trails Manager, Chris Card, is looking at buying and setting up signage near the Buttermilk Falls Resort.
According to Card, there is an issue with cars and other vehicles parking on the road that belongs to the resort to access the trail that is municipally owned. Card says the access point to the trail is on the resorts road and the closest parking is a seasonally operated MTO parking lot.
Card proposes that the Township purchase and set up signage along the road directing people to the falls from Highway 35, as well as signage directing drivers to the MTO lot and from the MTO lot to the trail access. In an effort to limit the people wandering off the trail onto the resort’s property Card also proposes adding signs to the trail differentiating the trail from the resort.
Before presenting his information to the councillors, Card says he spoke with the resort owners and said they are willing to work with the township on making this happen. During the discussion with council, Carol Moffatt, the Mayor, said that she would like the MTO to be contacted to see what can be done with the historic bridge nearby that leads people to trails, adding that people come from every direction and that needs to be part of the equation going forward.
After all, was said and done, council voted to allow Card to look into getting signage on the stipulation that there is written an agreement with the resort owners and that MTO is contacted and approval for the signs is received.