Swimming is now prohibited at Bridal Veil Falls, a popular tourist destination on Manitoulin Island, after a unanimous council vote by Billings Township citing safety and environmental concerns. The decision comes weeks after a young boy was pulled unresponsive from the water and resuscitated at the site. Council reverses earlier split decision Mayor Bryan Barker said the latest vote represents a complete reversal from a previous council discussion on restricting swimming. “I know when we made the decision to, it was brought up earlier, probably, I’m thinking last year to actually not allow swimming. Council was split on whether they were going to allow or disallow swimming,” he said speaking with CTV News last week. “Unfortunately, it did pass that we were going to not post for no swimming.” He said the council has now changed course entirely. “Pretty much for all those reasons, public safety, environmental, you know, for the majority of tourists that do come down there to enjoy the beauty of the falls,” said Barker. Council decided signs will be posted at the top and bottom of the stairway leading to the falls advising against entering the water. Safety and environment drive the change Barker said the volume of visitors has made supervision nearly impossible. “We averted a tragedy there a couple of weeks ago and a young fella had to be resuscitated, pulled out of the pool and resuscitated,” he said. Barker described conditions during the August long weekend as uncontrollable. “Supervision is very hard, very difficult, it’s very evident this past long weekend, the August long weekend – the pool was just ... like I say just unmanageable,” said Barker. The mayor also cited environmental harm from large numbers of bathers. “With that many people bathing and, you know, unfortunately, and taking part in getting into the water there, it certainly isn’t doing our ecosystem or, you know, the environment in any favour,” he said. Barker urged visitors to treat the site with respect. “It has to be treated with respect,” he said. “That’s all we’re asking is for people to treat that environment, that jewel of Manitoulin Island with a little bit of respect and enjoy it for what it is.” Flood rehabilitation work progressing The township has been working with Manitoulin Streams to repair the river and trail system following recent flooding. Barker said outside contractors have been brought in and progress has been significant. “The change is phenomenal,” he said. “It’s been the difference between the start of the work and today is like night and day.” Barker said the immediate priority has been preparing for spring runoff. “They’re way ahead of schedule and I wouldn’t hesitate to say that as of today, if not the end of the weekend, we should have that river pretty much cleaned up and ready to go for the spring,” he said during the interview. Barker expressed optimism that the trail system would reopen in time for the fall salmon and trout runs. Funding sought for long-term plan Manitoulin Streams has developed a three-year plan to restore the river to its pre-flood condition. Barker said he has met with the local MP and MPP, both of whom have toured the damaged area. “All the funding for the 2026 has been allocated already, but they’re certainly advocating for support through their networks and they’ve been very, very cooperative with us and more than willing to help,” he said. The mayor told CTV News he hopes to see direct provincial and possibly federal support in the second and third years of the rehabilitation plan.
