By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Access to the popular Burns Beach on the Lake Erie shore is being permanently closed by the municipality.
Council recently voted 13 to 5 to approve the recommendation from administration that cited safety concerns about the steep pathway leading to the beach at the end of Dillon Road.
C-K director of public works Ryan Brown said it was his duty as a professional engineer to recommend the closure.
While the actual beach area itself belongs to the province, the graveled access path is owned by Chatham-Kent. According to the staff report, high water levels have contributed to accelerated erosion of the Lake Erie bluff, making public access hazardous. In addition, the report said the beach area has almost disappeared and no longer resembles a traditional beach.
Brown said the matter was explored by legal services in 2022 after a resident complained. He said staff determined there were “nefarious activities” going on down at the beach and that CK Public Health stopped water testing at the site years ago.
Brown said keeping it open means the municipality will have to maintain the steep passage, something that’s dangerous for equipment operators.
“I think it’s my due diligence as a professional engineer to tell you that structure is not safe,” Brown added, noting it’s adjacent to a 100-foot bluff. The engineer said he’s personally witnessed people dumping cement and garbage over the hill with the back wheels of the pickup truck almost over the edge.
He also referenced the recent Zusak study which recommends “retreat” as the best option in the face of erosion and high water levels.
But some councillors disagreed, including Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy and South Kent’s Anthony Ceccacci. Bondy said he’s been going to the beach for 30 years, with no problems.
He admitted the access is difficult to manoeuvre, but not impossible.
Bondy said closing the access is moving towards a “nanny state” to say we have to block it off because it’s not safe enough.
“I’m pretty sure nobody’s fallen off the path into the lake,” Bondy said adding the beach is a “neat little hidden gem” that’s fairly busy.
“I just don’t understand blocking the access, I just don’t get it,” the councillor said. “If you’re not comfortable with your driving skills, then don’t go. It’s easy.”
