Editor,
We are sending this letter on behalf of a large number of concerned residents of Meaford. The Beach is important to all of us who live within a few kilometers as a place to swim or to enjoy various water sports or passive pursuits. For decades, everyone in the community believed upon the representation that this publicly used beach, with its municipal garbage cans and picnic table, was a municipal property.
A few weeks ago, the town erected a “This is not a Public Beach” sign and removed the picnic table and garbage cans. We further looked into this and found that Centreville Beach consists of two parcels of land. There is a municipal road allowance section and Lot 38, which seems to be a private property. However, contrary to messaging from the Municipality, there is no recognized owner. A large segment of the population seems to believe that there is an innocent, aggrieved and clearly identified owner who has private property rights. This is not the case.
Due to the Municipality’s actions and lack of transparency, we engaged legal and municipal consulting advice regarding the ownership status of beach lot 38. The report confirms that lot 38 has “ownership status” unknown. The report concludes that the Trusler family is most likely the rightful property owners of Lot 38. We have sent this report to Council and staff.
We respectfully request that Council evaluate all options to acquire the property, Lot 38 Centreville Beach, to secure long term public access. There are a number of legal avenues including but not limited to: adverse possession, implied dedication and possessory title. However, the most cost-effective way for the town to acquire lot 38 is to work with the Trusler family.
The Trusler family announced at the Council meeting of October 21st that they are prepared to work closely with the Municipality to transfer their claim on Lot 38 Centreville Beach to the Municipality, provided that the Municipality covers any costs associated with such a transfer and provided this transfer results in the beach being maintained as a permanent public space.
It is clear to our community that the vastly preferable outcome would be for the Municipality of Meaford to acquire this property and to continue its use as a public beach for all to enjoy. We hope Council agrees that keeping Centreville Beach as a public space aligns with Council priorities as presented on their website, which states their goal of growing and redeveloping existing and new park space.
Respectfully,
Peter Van Drunen, Marnie Wraith, Al Marron, and Mary Jane Decoste, Meaford
