The municipality of Bluewater is hoping to send a delegation to the councils of all of the lower-tier municipalities within the Ausable Bayfield watershed that they feel will be affected by the Conservation Authority's steering committee's updated Shoreline Management Plan.
A draft of that plan has now been posted online for a 90-day public consultation period, and Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel says Bluewater council feels the impact of the plan, as proposed by consultants, would have a major impact on all member municipalities and would not be limited to those along the shoreline. He maintains it would influence how municipalities are levied, as well as how properties are valued, and the ability of shoreline property owners to protect their properties.
Bluewater is asking specifically that the consultation period be extended to six months to a year, and is recommending other municipalities follow their lead and form a sub-committee to look at the draft plan, and respond with their own recommendations.
Hessel says Bluewater council will formally approve its request for delegations at its next meeting. A request to make a presentation to Huron County council has already been approved by county council.