Residents want answer over Balm Beach debacle

CTV Barrie: Balm Beach debacle The debate over who can use Balm Beach is heating up again. K.C. Colby has more.

New signs posted by residents along Tiny Township's Balm Beach are forbidding anyone from using some sections of beachfront.

The signs are frustrating some residents who just want to take a stroll and enjoy the beach.

“You can't walk the beach because they're out there threatening you so it's uncomfortable,” says resident Wendy Burns. “I respect what they're saying until something is resolved because it's a real issue.”

The debate about who's allowed to use the beach has been around for a long time. Police say some people own property all the way to the water and anyone who ignores their signs is breaking the law.

“There are areas where people do own up to the water’s edge and they're well under their legal rights to ask people to leave. It could pose a fine of up to $2,000,” says Const. Susan Jessop.

Some property owners say there is a good reason why more signs are going up. They cite the garbage, disrespect and threats of violence from some beach visitors.

“You would ask nicely, then they'd get abusive and some got physical. So we talked to the lawyers and they said as long as you get a sign up saying ‘no trespassing,’” says John tobin.

Tobin says the small beach area that is public is still a problem with people drinking and leaving garbage. A problem he says the township doesn’t want to deal with.

“It's just been a buildup of frustration over the years and getting the run around from town council.”

CTV News asked township officials for a comment on the concerns.  We were told the mayor was not available to answer any of our questions, and neither was anyone from the township office.

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