The County of Haliburton has been working on a new Shoreline Preservation Bylaw since 2017 to replace the existing Shoreline Tree Preservation Bylaw (enacted in 2012). The new bylaw expands measures to better protect the health of Haliburton lakes by regulating development on its shorelines. As lakefront property owners we know that lake health is paramount and we must do everything we can to protect it today and for future generations. Science has shown that the environmental state of a lake’s shoreline is critically linked to its overall health, which is why a comprehensive Shoreline Preservation Bylaw is so important.

The draft bylaw has drawn support from lake associations and individuals….but it has also drawn criticism and concern by both property owners and local trade organizations – saying that it goes too far in some areas, and needs more public consultation. A key part of the Bob Lake Association mission statement is to educate and inform our members on matters that help protect the lake and its environment. To deliver on that mandate we are urging all members to become familiar with the County’s efforts pertaining to the Shoreline Preservation bylaw so that you are informed with facts and aware of any opportunities to share your thoughts or participate in the process.

The following is a list of recommended references to review. Be sure to check back often as we will update this list from time to time.

• Haliburton County’s Shoreline Preservation webpage
• Wade In Haliburton Shoreline Preservation Bylaw webpage – includes latest draft bylaw and other related documents
• CHA’s Shoreline Preservation Bylaw webpage – includes a number of fact sheets and a history/timeline of the bylaw’s development
• The Haliburton County Home Builders Association resource webpage – includes a bylaw Questions and Answers document and a recent Algae Report
• The Highlander has been covering this very closely with many published articles and editorial opinions from the public. This Feb 11 article provides a great summary. You can use this link to search to view posted Highlander articles on this topic. To continue following this and other local news, we encourage you to subscribe to the free online copy issued every week by selecting the “SIGN UP” link off their homepage.
• The Minden Times has also been covering this development and publishes many articles online without a subscription. Use this link to search to view posted Minden Times articles on this topic. This Jan 27 article in particular discusses the County Council’s decision “to retain consulting services to lead the development of a draft shoreline preservation bylaw, including a review of the related science, an environmental scan, and public consultation.”
• BeShore Haliburton is “a growing Not-For-Profit coalition of Haliburton County residents, associations and businesses, dedicated to ensuring that future generations will enjoy the same priceless memories of life by our beautiful lakes as we do.“. Their website offers an excellent resource for understanding what drives the health of our lakes and what we can do to help that. Lots of facts and references around Haliburton’s Shoreline Preservation Bylaw, septic system health, blue-green algae, and more.