Northern Bruce Peninsula council is looking to be included and consulted in the conversation surrounding making the Fathom Five National Marine Park a conservation area.
Conversations around this topic arose during a meeting on April 24, when council received a general Parks Canada update from Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park Acting Superintendent Ethan Meleg.
Coun. Laurie Golden says the national park is currently being looked at under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, which would impose prohibitions, fines and permits.
“Marine conservation areas are established in accordance with this Act for the purpose of protecting and conserving representative marine areas for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people of Canada and the world,” says the act on the federal government website.
Golden adds she and council wants to understand the impacts not just to residents but people who use the water if Fathom Five is made a conservation area.
“We are just asking for information and we feel we, as well as our community and the users need to be consulted and fully informed and part of the decisions,” says Golden.
When asked how much influence the municipality will have if Fathom Five is possibly declared a national marine conservation area, Golden says it remains to be seen.
“Everyone agreed that we would like to have a meeting with the federal group that is doing this,” says Golden.
During the meeting on April 24, it was noted Meleg would provide council with information regarding the act, and Golden says she believes Meleg is in the process of trying to arrange a meeting for council to learn more.
