The goings-on at the Township of Muskoka Lakes of late are a little less than to be desired, but a decision last week, in the wake of much debate over the use of public access points to our lakes, should be applauded.

After months of arguments on both sides of the issue, Muskoka Lakes councillors have decided to continue to allow the Birch Ave. docks to be used by barge operators, with some time restrictions, and the township has agreed to make improvements to increase the safety of the area.

A win-win situation one might think. But no, while barge operators are happy about the decision, the nearby cottage owners aren’t impressed.

Property owners fear for the safety of those using the docks for leisure, and even commissioned a safety report to back up those fears, and the barge operators argue that closing off this access point would hurt business.

While there may be some legitimate safety issues, and the township has committed to working on those, the fact that these public access points are being used is a boon to the local economy. It means people are spending money in our area and are using the services of local contractors and business owners.

Ted Macklin, who lives next door to Birch Avenue, is being a little short-sighted in saying that this decision was made at the expense of the local community.

In this instance, Muskoka Lakes councillors actually took into account the bigger picture. Surely far more people and the local economy would be affected if this access point were to be closed off, and councillors were right to look past another not-in-my-backyard complaint and come up with a compromise.

It is unfortunate that time and again, this debate over who has more right to use the lakes continues to crop up. These access points and our lakes are for everyone to use, and to use with regard for others. This likely won’t be the last we’ve heard on this debate, but as long as councillors continue to look at the big picture, everyone can reap the benefits of our area’s assets.

KF