Date: 11 July 2010
 

Greetings to members and new friends who care for our “Rocks ". For those who are not familiar with this land dispute I will do a brief synopsis. The Rocks are located at the end of Whiskey Harbour rd and have been frequented and enjoyed by the public for over 60 years. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunsets and other related activities. The WHRA was formed after a land claim to the Rocks was filed by the adjoining land owner and the recreation area was temporarily closed to the public and police responded to trespass complaints from this land owner. Our group actively challenged the claim, about 30 people attended the first court session and this resulted in a court order issued in 2002 allowing the public continued use until the claim was settled and this order is still in force today. We encourage people who visit the area to respect its pristine condition. We ask that garbage not be left behind, leave after dark, and avoid using the area as a latrine. No fires or alcohol are permitted. The struggle continues for the use of this area for recreational purposes.  We still require your continued support or the land will become private and access will be stopped.   

Update: The legal process continues and the compromise process we all were hoping for last fall failed to result in resolution. WHRA felt the proposed access rights to the area put forward by the adjoining land owner were too restrictive and unmanageable. Both sides moved forward and the Discovery process was set for May and June of 2010 and was delayed both times. Discovery is presently in the process of being reset and the time frame, 4 to 6 weeks from June 2010, is being firmed up by both sides. This proceeding will go ahead; the provincial court has set a due date for trial to be set not later than December 31. 2010.

Support Us Please: Our legal costs continue to rise with future legal and court proceedings. I must advise all who are interested in continued access to donate. If we don’t pursue the claim the community will undoubtedly lose this recreation area. Simply put, the bigger the group the better to handle costs. One hundred people at $25 equals $2,500 and 200 people is $5,000. Once again, we must approach you and people who would like to be members, to donate what you can for this membership drive. We have included a membership renewal application form. Please fill in the blanks and mail or deliver to “THE ROCKS” c/o Jack Noble, 61 Forbes Rd., R.R. #1, Mar, Ont. N0H 1X0.

Our executive committee consists of:

     
  1. 1/ Peter Osborne - Chairperson - 519-793-3033
  2. 2/ Karen Sword & Lorne Bergman - 793-4752 - Deputy Chairpersons
  3. 3/ Treasurer - Jack Noble - 793-3857
  4. 4/ Secretaries – Pat Bergman 519-793-4752 & Kim Hoey 519-793-4707
  5. 5/ Meg Smith – website organization – 519-793-3427
  6. 6/ Connie and Ted Sweiger – land owner plan 444 near the Rocks
  7. 7/ Richard Stevens – land owner plan 444 near the Rocks
  8. .

    Upcoming get together: For those people who are members and general users of the area called “THE ROCKS”, this will again be a wonderful season for visits and activities at this recreation area. Our yearly get together will be held on Sunday afternoon, on the 1st of August 2010. We want everyone possible to come out and support our cause. This would be a good time to renew your membership. Last year our Labour Day get together was extremely successful. The court wants this to move forward and so do we. A successful end to this dispute will help us keep “THE ROCKS” for all to enjoy. Please support the cause and thank you for your continued support.  

    Peter Osborne for

    The Committee


    Printable membership form


    Update: 15 August 2009 WHRA has received a response from the adjacent landowners counsel as unacceptable. There were several issues addressed but the main sticking point is the proposed boundary line. Tentatively agreed to are:

    1. Fencing – there will be no fencing – both parties agree
    2. Latrines – there will be none – both parties agree
    3. New Survey – split the cost – both parties agree
    4. The land be used for the general public – both parties agree
    5. Hours of use – both parties agree
    6. Boundary – both parties disagree
    7. an attempt to resolve the issue through mediation using another media will be attempted – projected estimate cost $4000 to $5000 for WHRA. If the matters are not settled discovery will be set in November 2009 – projected cost estimate $10,000. These costs are substantial and we need your support. To drop the challenge at this point and walk away could result in costs being levied. In any event the landowner succeeds in his claim and undoubtedly barriers would be erected and trespass notices posted. Effects of this outcome would affect other similar claims on the peninsula. In past we went through this and police evicted people on a regular basis until one member of our group asked to be charged, the landowner refused. The Police at that point obtained an assessment of the landowners claim from the crown attorneys’ office and as a result the police were advised not to respond to trespass issues until the claim is resolved.

      For the better part of a century the area has been used by the general public. We as a community have to decide if we wish to give this challenge up or continue to oppose this land claim. This takes dollars. Remember if 100 people give $100 that equals $10,000 – it gets us through the critical stage – if you can afford more fine – if not give what you can – but give – if there is not community support we lose this valuable recreation area – lets see if we can get that community support.

      17 Aug 09 – the community has responded and WHRA committee has decided due to this positive response to proceed forward and keep challenging the claim in order to reach a settlement.

      Thank you for you continued support and your generous donations – we need them;

      Peter Osborne

      For the Committee


      July, 2009

      Greetings to our members and new friends who care for our “Rocks ". For those who are not familiar with this land dispute I will do a brief synopsis. The Rocks are located at the end of Whiskey Harbour rd and have been frequented and enjoyed by the public for over 60 years. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunsets and other related activities. The WHRA was formed when a land claim was filed by an adjoining land owner and the area was temporarily closed to the public. Our group actively challenged the claim which resulted in a court order allowing the public continued use until the claim was settled and is still in force today. We encourage people who visit the area to respect its pristine condition. We ask that garbage not be left behind, leave after dark, and avoid using the area as a latrine. No fires or alcohol are permitted. The struggle continues for the use of this area for recreational purposes. We still require your continued support.

      The legal process continues and we are in a compromise process involving legal teams from both sides. Our legal costs continue to rise with future legal and court proceedings. Once again, we must approach you and people who would like to be members, to donate what you can for this membership drive. We have included a membership renewal application form. Please fill in the blanks and mail or deliver to “THE ROCKS” c/o Jack Noble, 61 Forbes Rd., R.R. #1, Mar, Ont. N0H 1X0.

      Our executive committee consists of:

      1. Peter Osborne - Chairperson - 519-793-3033
      2. Karen Sword & Lorne Bergman - 793-4752 - Deputy Chairpersons
      3. Treasurer - Jack Noble - 793-3857
      4. Secretaries – Pat Bergman & Kim Hoey
      5. Websmith – Meg Smith 793-3427
      Glen Cameron has resigned his position as Deputy Chair person due to health issues and we thank him for his very valued input.

      For those persons who are members and general users of the area called “THE ROCKS”, this will again be a wonderful season for swimming and for visiting this recreation area. Our yearly get together will be held on Sunday afternoon, on the 2nd of August 2009. We want everyone possible to come out and support our cause. This would be a good time to renew your membership. Last year our Labour Day get together was extremely successful. Our projected resolution date is expected within a few months. If we fail to reach compromise, (which at this point looks promising) in the resolution process, our lawyer is proposing a pre-trial hearing before fall. The court wants this to move forward and so do we. A successful end to this dispute will help us keep “THE ROCKS” for all to enjoy. Please support the cause and thank you for your continued support.

      Peter Osborne for The Committee

      Questions? Contact us here.

      This map was provided by The County of Bruce. Please visit their site and try it for yourself here.


      Printable membership form


      Join us on Facebook too! here.
      Rocks Etiquette and Rules

      • Expect and Respect other Rocks Users.
      • Respect neighbouring landowners by staying off private property, and avoid excessive noise.
      • Leave the Rocks cleaner than you found them; whatever you pack in, pack out. This includes cigarette butts!
      • Leave the rocks, driftwood, wildflowers and wildlife for others to enjoy.
      • Maintain control of your pets. Carry a leash for your dog and be prepared to use it. 'Stoop and Scoop'
      • Fires are not permitted.
      • Alcohol is not permitted.
      • Broken glass is a hazard none of us want to encounter; please don't bring glass containers of any kind to The Rocks.
      • Operate personal watercraft responsibly at least 500 feet from shore. Slow down (no wake) as you approach shore. Be cautious of swimmers and keep a safe distance from non-motorized watercraft.
      • Always keep a close eye on children in the water and never swim alone, regardless of age. Lake Huron can develop a strong undertow on windy days; even strong swimmers can find themselves a lot farther from shore than they anticipated.
      • Leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs


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        WHISKEY HARBOUR RECREATION ASSOCIATION –Membership Application / Renewal: 2010 Name-_________________________________________________ Our email address: --- the rocks01@live.com Address___________________________________________________ Your email address: _____________ This year’s renewal ($25.00) _______ Additional Contribution _______