LAKESIDE - An American tourist with a disabled husband looked out over the marram grass Tuesday and called it the boardwalk to nowhere.
Hundreds of summertime residents of the picturesque beachside community are livid over being shut off from access to the beach after a storm destroyed the boardwalk and staircase to the beach in 2008.
Vandals have made things even worse recently, using wood from the boardwalk to start a bonfire.
A Guardian reporter and photographer went out for a look at the damage Tuesday afternoon and were greeted by about a dozen angry residents.
"This is our 41st summer here and this is the first time I've been embarrassed to be associated with Lakeside," said Lyman MacInnis, a summer area resident. "This is an absolute embarrassment."
At present, the boardwalk extends from Lakeside Road over the marram grass. The area reserved for wheelchairs or people who just want to sit and look out to the ocean is roped off and it looks anything but safe. The staircase to the beach is completely gone.
Lakeside resident Eldon Jamieson said the Morell and Area Development Corporation has been in contact with the provincial government since the damage occurred in 2008 but so far nothing has changed.
"We're looking at another summer coming and we're going to have no boardwalk," Jamieson said.
"It's unsightly and it's unacceptable. It's unsafe for residents."
The province should make long-overdue repairs immediately, suggested Gavin Kenny.
There are approximately 170 cottage owners in the area. Jamieson and his wife circulated a petition with 80 names on it in an effort to convince government to move on repairs.
"The boardwalk is our lifeline. I've been here for 30 years. We take very nice care of our property. We have a five-star resort sitting next to us. We have one of the top 10 golf courses in Canada (Links at Crowbush Cove) and now we have this unsightly thing dangling over the sand dunes and no access to the beach," Jamieson said.
Janet MacLellan of Cardigan, who lives at Lakeside in the summer, said the beach attracts people from as far as west of Charlottetown. At times, cars stretch a kilometre up the road.
"The present state is extremely unsafe due to the sudden dropoff. The magnificent sand dune and marram grass are being eroded," MacLellan said, referring to the fact that since people can't use the boardwalk they are climbing over the dunes.
"Emergency assistance would be delayed if needed on the beach. People such as seniors, parents with toddlers and those with health-related issues are prevented or have difficulty getting to the beach."
Steve Racine, an Ottawa resident who has been living at Lakeside for the past 30 summers, said it's disheartening.
"It's hard to clamber up and down the dunes, plus we're destroying them," Racine said.
The estimated cost to fix the damage is $20,000. The Pat Binns government helped put the boardwalk there but there is some question as to whether the current government should fix it.
"I heard you ask, 'Is the government obligated?'" MacInnis said to The Guardian.
"Well, if they're not obligated to do something about this, what the hell are the obligated to do? You saw the 170 cottages (around here). What percentage of us that spend the summers here and are paying the double tax? What are we getting? I don't know."
Before The Guardian left, Wally Weskie of Kansas City drove up with his wife.
Weskie, who is in a wheelchair, could only lament at not being able to navigate up to the beach.
"I do frequent a lot of boardwalks," Weskie said. "It's too bad I can't get up to this beach."
Boardwalk to nowhere
Lakeside summer residents Eldon Jamieson and Zita Ryan stand beside what is left of the boardwalk/staircase leading from about 170 cottage lots to the beach at Lakeside. A storm in 2008 destroyed the staircase and vandals have caused damage twice recently
- Published on June 23rd, 2010
- Published on July 8th, 2010
-
Dave Stewart
Summer residents of Lakeside livid nothing is being done to restore beach access after storm two years ago destroyed boardwalk and staircase
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Comments
-
- dubya
- - July 8th, 2010 at 19:13:54
Maybe the 170 cottage owners should have taken a collection to repair the boardwalk instead of circulating a petition expecting Island taxpayers to foot the bill.
-
- Tom
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:59:30
The problem with the residents paying for it to be fixed is that it will become a private beach in the eyes of the residents. Just like Clarences beach down the road from Lakeside. The summer residents always feel some sort of ownership to the beach, and do everything they can to steer year round residents away from their beach
-
- from away
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:49:18
$20,000 divided by 170 = $117.65. If you can afford a cottage, you can afford $117.64. Buck up you cheapskates!
-
- Cindy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:38:08
I grew up 10 mins from this beach and spent countless hours there in the summer. While visiting the Island last summer I took my husband and 2 young children to see the beautiful Lakeside beach and could not get over the unsightly, unusable boardwalk. That beach is a tourist attraction and people will spend money to come to the Island and use it. Fixing the boardwalk makes sense for so many reasons!!!
-
- Andy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:36:54
Maybe these summer visitors who have the luxury of being able to afford a vacation property can pool their own money to pay for repairing the boardwalk.
PEI is one of the poorest, if not the poorest, province in Canada. We have to pay for health care and other basic services for our year-round residents.
A boardwalk for a private cottage development is not a priority for Islanders. -
- corrupt
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:31:47
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don't make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can't face them
day to day.
Now I'm livin'
out here on the beach,
but those stairs are
still out of reach. -
- Jessica
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:31:36
I spent many summers at this beach and it is terrible to see how run down it looks. I was hoping to be able to take my young daughter there this summer but will not be until something is done. I am not laying blame to anyone but it needs to be fixed and people need to get their butts in gear and get it done, whoever it is that is responsible for doing so.
-
- Private you say???????
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:30:26
Nobody 'owns' the beach!! Anyone who thinks this is most likely NOT an Islander!!!
-
- The Facts
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:24:24
The access to the beach IS privately owned and the government had to seek permission from the owner to construct the existing structure. If it were as easy as many suggest it would have been done. There are many resourceful residents in Lakeside whom in the past have maintained a boardwalk to assist elderly residents in reaching the beach, however once the government stepped in to build a boardwalk they must assume that it is the government's responsibility to maintain that which they constructed. I for one believe that it is more of an environmental issue than anything and that the government just needs to make a decision one way or another so that the residents can take action.
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:18:42
im not a resident of Lakeside but live nearby. i have been going there for about 20 yrs and love it. i seriously hope this issue gets resolved and for the sake of our dunes -VERY FAST. At the beginning of last summer there was one path through the grass and then people started to branch off and make many more. this is an enviromental issue and i hope to see a completed boardwalk asap.
-
- The Observer
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:10:45
The beach at Lakeside is hardly private. Anyone can drive down to the boardwalk. For many years before we moved to PEI we rented a cottege nearby and used the beach almost everyday. Nobody ever made us feel unwelcome.
However it is right beside the Crowbush golf course. I wonder if that has something to do with why the government won't fix the boardwalk. Perhaps the owners of the golf course don't want the riff-raff wandering around on the edge of their exclusive piece of turf and have convinced the government to do nothing. -
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:07:54
Our cottage community pay to maintain beach and road access to our beach as well as placement of large rock to stabilize the sea bank. We don't look to the government and other tax payers to assist with this work and a number of us pay extra property taxes because we are not considered Islanders .
-
- who owns it
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:05:51
Who owns the boardwalk? Who built it? If it's the province, ok, they've a legitimate gripe. If not, FIX IT YOURSELF! Or maybe they're waiting for a roundabout.
-
- nellie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 18:04:22
Welcome all you tourists and summer residents to the Wonderful Island
Hospitality . I just hope Regis and Kelly can bring more of y'all so they all can enjoy it too!!!!! -
- justa
- - July 8th, 2010 at 17:43:09
Those one hundred and seventy cottage owners (I question that number) just might have to pay a little something out of their own pockets... I mean come on, they got the first set for free!
Should someone in Tignish, or say Souris, have to pay to fix a set of stairs going down to the beach in Lakeside? I don't think so.
The government could not afford to keep all the provincal parks open. This is a good example of things we should not be paying for.
Yes we could help them out with engineering and such, perhaps even a few loads of rock, but I don't see the need to be spending my tax dollars on a someone else's beach stairs. -
- Greggmac
- - July 8th, 2010 at 17:23:33
Maybe all those 170 residents should chip in 50 or 100 bucks apiece and hire a contractor. Seems more productive than whining doesn't it?
-
- Question
- - July 8th, 2010 at 17:20:52
Is there any truth that the beach is privately owned? My understanding is that the land is owned by a private family.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:58:58
There is a huge amount of taxes being collected from cottage owners across PEI. These cottages are mostly all on private roads with no assistance from government for road maintenance, waste pickup, fire and ambulance etc which all have to have access to these cottages. The Government says the streets have to have names with prescribed civic number on the cottages. Government (permits) controls the building of cottages, septics and where and how culverts should put in when there is flowing water. In other words, it is a PEI subdivision. The tax rate and tax increases assessed on the cottages are sometimes higher than those in a subdivision in Charlottetown, for example. These controls are all good but where does the tax money collected from these cottage owners go?? I agree that government should be assisting with repairs and upkeep but when they assist with one, they must assist with all .
-
- local beach user
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:56:16
this is more than just a set of stairs it is a wheelchair ramp as well which raises the amount of materials required aka. the cost. Many taxpayers who don't live in Lakeside use this beach, what should be done, I'm not sure but for now the unslightly, unsafe structure should be removed before someone gets hurt.
-
- Crow
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:52:59
Why should the cottage owners pay for something that everyone uses? If this is the case, we should put a toll booth at the bottom of the boardwalk. I am sure all of you fools who have been chomping at the bit, drive down there and haul your 3.5 kids over the dunes quite often during the summer month.
It sounds to me like we have a bunch of jealous Church Roaders just loving to poke the finger.
Get off the poggie and lay off the smokes and someday you will have enough money to buy a cottage (or a trailer....) -
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:52:02
i dont live in lakeside but have used this beach for about 20 yrs. i was heartbroken last yr to see the damage to the dunes because of the broken boardwalk. this is an enviromental issue which i seriously hope gets resolved for the sake of our beautifully unique landscape. maybe a picture of the destruction would have been more benefical.
-
- Bloody Shame
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:46:58
Lakeside is not in the National Park which means no fees to get in,which in turn means no $$ for government.Did you ever think that perhaps they(gov't) are dragging their feet because they want you to go to a beach inside the National Park.
-
- commenter
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:43:51
They sure look livid in that picture.
-
- Alphonse (Red) McGurr
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:39:59
If its so important to them why don't they get together, throw in a few bucks and fix the thing.
Government can't do everthing and what a bunch of balogna $20,000.00 to fix a set of stairs. I am sure that between 170 people who can afford a beachfront cottage there must be enough drive and talent to just do it.
AS FOR GOVERNMENTS ROLE, STICK TO HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FIXING ROADS. -
- Jamie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:15:24
Wish I had a cottage to complain about. Maybe the gov't should buy me one. I'd gladly pay for the stairs...
-
- sam
- - July 8th, 2010 at 16:02:50
seems to me if you can afford a cottage there , you can afford $ 117.00 per cottage owner to fix the boardwalk . If the taxpayer fixes it , i assume the taxpayer could use it ?
-
- RB
- - July 8th, 2010 at 15:42:39
So that's just a $120 contribution from each cottage owner. Yet for two years they haven't bothered to organize themselves toward getting the work done themselves? They are pathetic hypocrites. The government (a.k.a. tax-paying Islanders) owes these people zilch. By going to the media, all the cottagers have done is to expose themselves to our ridicule.
-
- You should be embarrassed
- - July 8th, 2010 at 15:39:11
The residents should absolutely be embarrassed. What egos!
Instead of proactively doing something about it, they let it become an eyesore and dangerous. Why are you waiting for government? Anywhere else on the Island, private cottage owners look after their own shoreline, cribbing it against weather erosion, building 'their OWN stairs' and never 'embarrass' themselves by putting such a ridiculous article in the paper expecting to garner some sympathy. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!! -
- R&R
- - July 8th, 2010 at 15:38:27
Sorry for all the negativity this has generated! Lakesideis a good tourist area which can be attested to by the local, national, and international license plates along the LS Beach Rd almost every day throughout the summer. The cottagers have welcomed enjoyment of the beach for decades. Some faithful few have also cleaned the beach party/users debris with no complaint. Give them a break from the generally misguided and virulent rich sons of b prejudice. Shame. Efforts to determine governments sense of obligation to Lakeside's dunes and tourist contribution has been met with delay and noncommital answers. Lakeside is willing to do its part. They are willing to share a beautiful natural resource. They are willing to help make it accessible. For my part, I believe strongly that some degree of funding and engineering assistance would be reasonable given the place that Lakeside has held in the tourist psyche for the last six or seven decades. Ask any mom and dad from away or from home what they would think is reasonable. I think they would give a resounding Yes to restoring access - on a cost shared basis. Give them a green light and appropriate level of support in this worthwhile endeavor!!
-
- sick
- - July 8th, 2010 at 15:24:30
1 - this is a private access point to the beach, so it should be up to the landowners to replace it.
2 - $20,000 to fix a set of stairs? Seriously? Talk to some of the locals - they could probably get it done for $2,000
3 - Regulating things like septic installation and installation of culverts in existing waterways does not make this an approved subdivision. The government regulates these things to ensure protection of the environment (ie. So you cant pump your raw sewage into the water or disrupt existing waterways to the detriment of wildlife and those upstream and downstream). It does not regulate these things so that it can start providing full services to anyone who wants to build a cottage along a private access road.
4 - The boardwalk is our lifeline... well, at least you arent grossly exaggerating the impact of this boardwalk.
Get a grip. It is a set of stairs that allows private access to a beach. If you want that kind of privilege, pay for it. And for the record, if you think people on here are being a bit bitter, it is because they are. You can afford to come here and summer in PEI, while many locals are struggling to pay off their mortgage. Maybe that is why your petition only got 80 signatures where there are 170 cottages (and Im sure lots of cottages signed twice - once per resident). -
- OLd Tory
- - July 8th, 2010 at 15:15:13
So, your stairs and boardwalk need repairs, go fix it and stop whining. I can't afford to live in Lakeside so why should I pay to fix the stairs from your cottages to the beach, bullsXit.
-
- dubya
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:53:01
Maybe the 170 cottage owners should have taken a collection to repair the boardwalk instead of circulating a petition expecting Island taxpayers to foot the bill.
-
- Tom
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:58
The problem with the residents paying for it to be fixed is that it will become a private beach in the eyes of the residents. Just like Clarences beach down the road from Lakeside. The summer residents always feel some sort of ownership to the beach, and do everything they can to steer year round residents away from their beach
-
- from away
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:56
$20,000 divided by 170 = $117.65. If you can afford a cottage, you can afford $117.64. Buck up you cheapskates!
-
- Andy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:54
Maybe these summer visitors who have the luxury of being able to afford a vacation property can pool their own money to pay for repairing the boardwalk.
PEI is one of the poorest, if not the poorest, province in Canada. We have to pay for health care and other basic services for our year-round residents.
A boardwalk for a private cottage development is not a priority for Islanders. -
- Cindy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:54
I grew up 10 mins from this beach and spent countless hours there in the summer. While visiting the Island last summer I took my husband and 2 young children to see the beautiful Lakeside beach and could not get over the unsightly, unusable boardwalk. That beach is a tourist attraction and people will spend money to come to the Island and use it. Fixing the boardwalk makes sense for so many reasons!!!
-
- Private you say???????
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:47
Nobody 'owns' the beach!! Anyone who thinks this is most likely NOT an Islander!!!
-
- Jessica
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:47
I spent many summers at this beach and it is terrible to see how run down it looks. I was hoping to be able to take my young daughter there this summer but will not be until something is done. I am not laying blame to anyone but it needs to be fixed and people need to get their butts in gear and get it done, whoever it is that is responsible for doing so.
-
- corrupt
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:47
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don't make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can't face them
day to day.
Now I'm livin'
out here on the beach,
but those stairs are
still out of reach. -
- The Facts
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:46
The access to the beach IS privately owned and the government had to seek permission from the owner to construct the existing structure. If it were as easy as many suggest it would have been done. There are many resourceful residents in Lakeside whom in the past have maintained a boardwalk to assist elderly residents in reaching the beach, however once the government stepped in to build a boardwalk they must assume that it is the government's responsibility to maintain that which they constructed. I for one believe that it is more of an environmental issue than anything and that the government just needs to make a decision one way or another so that the residents can take action.
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:45
im not a resident of Lakeside but live nearby. i have been going there for about 20 yrs and love it. i seriously hope this issue gets resolved and for the sake of our dunes -VERY FAST. At the beginning of last summer there was one path through the grass and then people started to branch off and make many more. this is an enviromental issue and i hope to see a completed boardwalk asap.
-
- The Observer
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:44
The beach at Lakeside is hardly private. Anyone can drive down to the boardwalk. For many years before we moved to PEI we rented a cottege nearby and used the beach almost everyday. Nobody ever made us feel unwelcome.
However it is right beside the Crowbush golf course. I wonder if that has something to do with why the government won't fix the boardwalk. Perhaps the owners of the golf course don't want the riff-raff wandering around on the edge of their exclusive piece of turf and have convinced the government to do nothing. -
- nellie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:43
Welcome all you tourists and summer residents to the Wonderful Island
Hospitality . I just hope Regis and Kelly can bring more of y'all so they all can enjoy it too!!!!! -
- who owns it
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:43
Who owns the boardwalk? Who built it? If it's the province, ok, they've a legitimate gripe. If not, FIX IT YOURSELF! Or maybe they're waiting for a roundabout.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:43
Our cottage community pay to maintain beach and road access to our beach as well as placement of large rock to stabilize the sea bank. We don't look to the government and other tax payers to assist with this work and a number of us pay extra property taxes because we are not considered Islanders .
-
- justa
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:39
Those one hundred and seventy cottage owners (I question that number) just might have to pay a little something out of their own pockets... I mean come on, they got the first set for free!
Should someone in Tignish, or say Souris, have to pay to fix a set of stairs going down to the beach in Lakeside? I don't think so.
The government could not afford to keep all the provincal parks open. This is a good example of things we should not be paying for.
Yes we could help them out with engineering and such, perhaps even a few loads of rock, but I don't see the need to be spending my tax dollars on a someone else's beach stairs. -
- Question
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:35
Is there any truth that the beach is privately owned? My understanding is that the land is owned by a private family.
-
- Greggmac
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:35
Maybe all those 170 residents should chip in 50 or 100 bucks apiece and hire a contractor. Seems more productive than whining doesn't it?
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:31
There is a huge amount of taxes being collected from cottage owners across PEI. These cottages are mostly all on private roads with no assistance from government for road maintenance, waste pickup, fire and ambulance etc which all have to have access to these cottages. The Government says the streets have to have names with prescribed civic number on the cottages. Government (permits) controls the building of cottages, septics and where and how culverts should put in when there is flowing water. In other words, it is a PEI subdivision. The tax rate and tax increases assessed on the cottages are sometimes higher than those in a subdivision in Charlottetown, for example. These controls are all good but where does the tax money collected from these cottage owners go?? I agree that government should be assisting with repairs and upkeep but when they assist with one, they must assist with all .
-
- local beach user
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:30
this is more than just a set of stairs it is a wheelchair ramp as well which raises the amount of materials required aka. the cost. Many taxpayers who don't live in Lakeside use this beach, what should be done, I'm not sure but for now the unslightly, unsafe structure should be removed before someone gets hurt.
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:29
i dont live in lakeside but have used this beach for about 20 yrs. i was heartbroken last yr to see the damage to the dunes because of the broken boardwalk. this is an enviromental issue which i seriously hope gets resolved for the sake of our beautifully unique landscape. maybe a picture of the destruction would have been more benefical.
-
- Crow
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:29
Why should the cottage owners pay for something that everyone uses? If this is the case, we should put a toll booth at the bottom of the boardwalk. I am sure all of you fools who have been chomping at the bit, drive down there and haul your 3.5 kids over the dunes quite often during the summer month.
It sounds to me like we have a bunch of jealous Church Roaders just loving to poke the finger.
Get off the poggie and lay off the smokes and someday you will have enough money to buy a cottage (or a trailer....) -
- Bloody Shame
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:28
Lakeside is not in the National Park which means no fees to get in,which in turn means no $$ for government.Did you ever think that perhaps they(gov't) are dragging their feet because they want you to go to a beach inside the National Park.
-
- commenter
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:27
They sure look livid in that picture.
-
- Alphonse (Red) McGurr
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:26
If its so important to them why don't they get together, throw in a few bucks and fix the thing.
Government can't do everthing and what a bunch of balogna $20,000.00 to fix a set of stairs. I am sure that between 170 people who can afford a beachfront cottage there must be enough drive and talent to just do it.
AS FOR GOVERNMENTS ROLE, STICK TO HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FIXING ROADS. -
- Jamie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:22
Wish I had a cottage to complain about. Maybe the gov't should buy me one. I'd gladly pay for the stairs...
-
- sam
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:19
seems to me if you can afford a cottage there , you can afford $ 117.00 per cottage owner to fix the boardwalk . If the taxpayer fixes it , i assume the taxpayer could use it ?
-
- RB
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:15
So that's just a $120 contribution from each cottage owner. Yet for two years they haven't bothered to organize themselves toward getting the work done themselves? They are pathetic hypocrites. The government (a.k.a. tax-paying Islanders) owes these people zilch. By going to the media, all the cottagers have done is to expose themselves to our ridicule.
-
- R&R
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:14
Sorry for all the negativity this has generated! Lakesideis a good tourist area which can be attested to by the local, national, and international license plates along the LS Beach Rd almost every day throughout the summer. The cottagers have welcomed enjoyment of the beach for decades. Some faithful few have also cleaned the beach party/users debris with no complaint. Give them a break from the generally misguided and virulent rich sons of b prejudice. Shame. Efforts to determine governments sense of obligation to Lakeside's dunes and tourist contribution has been met with delay and noncommital answers. Lakeside is willing to do its part. They are willing to share a beautiful natural resource. They are willing to help make it accessible. For my part, I believe strongly that some degree of funding and engineering assistance would be reasonable given the place that Lakeside has held in the tourist psyche for the last six or seven decades. Ask any mom and dad from away or from home what they would think is reasonable. I think they would give a resounding Yes to restoring access - on a cost shared basis. Give them a green light and appropriate level of support in this worthwhile endeavor!!
-
- You should be embarrassed
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:14
The residents should absolutely be embarrassed. What egos!
Instead of proactively doing something about it, they let it become an eyesore and dangerous. Why are you waiting for government? Anywhere else on the Island, private cottage owners look after their own shoreline, cribbing it against weather erosion, building 'their OWN stairs' and never 'embarrass' themselves by putting such a ridiculous article in the paper expecting to garner some sympathy. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!! -
- sick
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:11
1 - this is a private access point to the beach, so it should be up to the landowners to replace it.
2 - $20,000 to fix a set of stairs? Seriously? Talk to some of the locals - they could probably get it done for $2,000
3 - Regulating things like septic installation and installation of culverts in existing waterways does not make this an approved subdivision. The government regulates these things to ensure protection of the environment (ie. So you cant pump your raw sewage into the water or disrupt existing waterways to the detriment of wildlife and those upstream and downstream). It does not regulate these things so that it can start providing full services to anyone who wants to build a cottage along a private access road.
4 - The boardwalk is our lifeline... well, at least you arent grossly exaggerating the impact of this boardwalk.
Get a grip. It is a set of stairs that allows private access to a beach. If you want that kind of privilege, pay for it. And for the record, if you think people on here are being a bit bitter, it is because they are. You can afford to come here and summer in PEI, while many locals are struggling to pay off their mortgage. Maybe that is why your petition only got 80 signatures where there are 170 cottages (and Im sure lots of cottages signed twice - once per resident). -
- OLd Tory
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:52:10
So, your stairs and boardwalk need repairs, go fix it and stop whining. I can't afford to live in Lakeside so why should I pay to fix the stairs from your cottages to the beach, bullsXit.
-
- dubya
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:14
Maybe the 170 cottage owners should have taken a collection to repair the boardwalk instead of circulating a petition expecting Island taxpayers to foot the bill.
-
- Tom
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:11
The problem with the residents paying for it to be fixed is that it will become a private beach in the eyes of the residents. Just like Clarences beach down the road from Lakeside. The summer residents always feel some sort of ownership to the beach, and do everything they can to steer year round residents away from their beach
-
- from away
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:09
$20,000 divided by 170 = $117.65. If you can afford a cottage, you can afford $117.64. Buck up you cheapskates!
-
- Andy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:07
Maybe these summer visitors who have the luxury of being able to afford a vacation property can pool their own money to pay for repairing the boardwalk.
PEI is one of the poorest, if not the poorest, province in Canada. We have to pay for health care and other basic services for our year-round residents.
A boardwalk for a private cottage development is not a priority for Islanders. -
- Cindy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:07
I grew up 10 mins from this beach and spent countless hours there in the summer. While visiting the Island last summer I took my husband and 2 young children to see the beautiful Lakeside beach and could not get over the unsightly, unusable boardwalk. That beach is a tourist attraction and people will spend money to come to the Island and use it. Fixing the boardwalk makes sense for so many reasons!!!
-
- Jessica
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:06
I spent many summers at this beach and it is terrible to see how run down it looks. I was hoping to be able to take my young daughter there this summer but will not be until something is done. I am not laying blame to anyone but it needs to be fixed and people need to get their butts in gear and get it done, whoever it is that is responsible for doing so.
-
- corrupt
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:06
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don't make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can't face them
day to day.
Now I'm livin'
out here on the beach,
but those stairs are
still out of reach. -
- Private you say???????
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:05
Nobody 'owns' the beach!! Anyone who thinks this is most likely NOT an Islander!!!
-
- The Facts
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:04
The access to the beach IS privately owned and the government had to seek permission from the owner to construct the existing structure. If it were as easy as many suggest it would have been done. There are many resourceful residents in Lakeside whom in the past have maintained a boardwalk to assist elderly residents in reaching the beach, however once the government stepped in to build a boardwalk they must assume that it is the government's responsibility to maintain that which they constructed. I for one believe that it is more of an environmental issue than anything and that the government just needs to make a decision one way or another so that the residents can take action.
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:02
im not a resident of Lakeside but live nearby. i have been going there for about 20 yrs and love it. i seriously hope this issue gets resolved and for the sake of our dunes -VERY FAST. At the beginning of last summer there was one path through the grass and then people started to branch off and make many more. this is an enviromental issue and i hope to see a completed boardwalk asap.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:01
Our cottage community pay to maintain beach and road access to our beach as well as placement of large rock to stabilize the sea bank. We don't look to the government and other tax payers to assist with this work and a number of us pay extra property taxes because we are not considered Islanders .
-
- The Observer
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:01
The beach at Lakeside is hardly private. Anyone can drive down to the boardwalk. For many years before we moved to PEI we rented a cottege nearby and used the beach almost everyday. Nobody ever made us feel unwelcome.
However it is right beside the Crowbush golf course. I wonder if that has something to do with why the government won't fix the boardwalk. Perhaps the owners of the golf course don't want the riff-raff wandering around on the edge of their exclusive piece of turf and have convinced the government to do nothing. -
- nellie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:00
Welcome all you tourists and summer residents to the Wonderful Island
Hospitality . I just hope Regis and Kelly can bring more of y'all so they all can enjoy it too!!!!! -
- who owns it
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:51:00
Who owns the boardwalk? Who built it? If it's the province, ok, they've a legitimate gripe. If not, FIX IT YOURSELF! Or maybe they're waiting for a roundabout.
-
- justa
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:55
Those one hundred and seventy cottage owners (I question that number) just might have to pay a little something out of their own pockets... I mean come on, they got the first set for free!
Should someone in Tignish, or say Souris, have to pay to fix a set of stairs going down to the beach in Lakeside? I don't think so.
The government could not afford to keep all the provincal parks open. This is a good example of things we should not be paying for.
Yes we could help them out with engineering and such, perhaps even a few loads of rock, but I don't see the need to be spending my tax dollars on a someone else's beach stairs. -
- Question
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:51
Is there any truth that the beach is privately owned? My understanding is that the land is owned by a private family.
-
- Greggmac
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:51
Maybe all those 170 residents should chip in 50 or 100 bucks apiece and hire a contractor. Seems more productive than whining doesn't it?
-
- local beach user
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:46
this is more than just a set of stairs it is a wheelchair ramp as well which raises the amount of materials required aka. the cost. Many taxpayers who don't live in Lakeside use this beach, what should be done, I'm not sure but for now the unslightly, unsafe structure should be removed before someone gets hurt.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:46
There is a huge amount of taxes being collected from cottage owners across PEI. These cottages are mostly all on private roads with no assistance from government for road maintenance, waste pickup, fire and ambulance etc which all have to have access to these cottages. The Government says the streets have to have names with prescribed civic number on the cottages. Government (permits) controls the building of cottages, septics and where and how culverts should put in when there is flowing water. In other words, it is a PEI subdivision. The tax rate and tax increases assessed on the cottages are sometimes higher than those in a subdivision in Charlottetown, for example. These controls are all good but where does the tax money collected from these cottage owners go?? I agree that government should be assisting with repairs and upkeep but when they assist with one, they must assist with all .
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:45
i dont live in lakeside but have used this beach for about 20 yrs. i was heartbroken last yr to see the damage to the dunes because of the broken boardwalk. this is an enviromental issue which i seriously hope gets resolved for the sake of our beautifully unique landscape. maybe a picture of the destruction would have been more benefical.
-
- Crow
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:45
Why should the cottage owners pay for something that everyone uses? If this is the case, we should put a toll booth at the bottom of the boardwalk. I am sure all of you fools who have been chomping at the bit, drive down there and haul your 3.5 kids over the dunes quite often during the summer month.
It sounds to me like we have a bunch of jealous Church Roaders just loving to poke the finger.
Get off the poggie and lay off the smokes and someday you will have enough money to buy a cottage (or a trailer....) -
- commenter
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:43
They sure look livid in that picture.
-
- Bloody Shame
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:43
Lakeside is not in the National Park which means no fees to get in,which in turn means no $$ for government.Did you ever think that perhaps they(gov't) are dragging their feet because they want you to go to a beach inside the National Park.
-
- Alphonse (Red) McGurr
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:42
If its so important to them why don't they get together, throw in a few bucks and fix the thing.
Government can't do everthing and what a bunch of balogna $20,000.00 to fix a set of stairs. I am sure that between 170 people who can afford a beachfront cottage there must be enough drive and talent to just do it.
AS FOR GOVERNMENTS ROLE, STICK TO HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FIXING ROADS. -
- Jamie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:36
Wish I had a cottage to complain about. Maybe the gov't should buy me one. I'd gladly pay for the stairs...
-
- sam
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:33
seems to me if you can afford a cottage there , you can afford $ 117.00 per cottage owner to fix the boardwalk . If the taxpayer fixes it , i assume the taxpayer could use it ?
-
- RB
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:29
So that's just a $120 contribution from each cottage owner. Yet for two years they haven't bothered to organize themselves toward getting the work done themselves? They are pathetic hypocrites. The government (a.k.a. tax-paying Islanders) owes these people zilch. By going to the media, all the cottagers have done is to expose themselves to our ridicule.
-
- R&R
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:28
Sorry for all the negativity this has generated! Lakesideis a good tourist area which can be attested to by the local, national, and international license plates along the LS Beach Rd almost every day throughout the summer. The cottagers have welcomed enjoyment of the beach for decades. Some faithful few have also cleaned the beach party/users debris with no complaint. Give them a break from the generally misguided and virulent rich sons of b prejudice. Shame. Efforts to determine governments sense of obligation to Lakeside's dunes and tourist contribution has been met with delay and noncommital answers. Lakeside is willing to do its part. They are willing to share a beautiful natural resource. They are willing to help make it accessible. For my part, I believe strongly that some degree of funding and engineering assistance would be reasonable given the place that Lakeside has held in the tourist psyche for the last six or seven decades. Ask any mom and dad from away or from home what they would think is reasonable. I think they would give a resounding Yes to restoring access - on a cost shared basis. Give them a green light and appropriate level of support in this worthwhile endeavor!!
-
- You should be embarrassed
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:28
The residents should absolutely be embarrassed. What egos!
Instead of proactively doing something about it, they let it become an eyesore and dangerous. Why are you waiting for government? Anywhere else on the Island, private cottage owners look after their own shoreline, cribbing it against weather erosion, building 'their OWN stairs' and never 'embarrass' themselves by putting such a ridiculous article in the paper expecting to garner some sympathy. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!! -
- sick
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:25
1 - this is a private access point to the beach, so it should be up to the landowners to replace it.
2 - $20,000 to fix a set of stairs? Seriously? Talk to some of the locals - they could probably get it done for $2,000
3 - Regulating things like septic installation and installation of culverts in existing waterways does not make this an approved subdivision. The government regulates these things to ensure protection of the environment (ie. So you cant pump your raw sewage into the water or disrupt existing waterways to the detriment of wildlife and those upstream and downstream). It does not regulate these things so that it can start providing full services to anyone who wants to build a cottage along a private access road.
4 - The boardwalk is our lifeline... well, at least you arent grossly exaggerating the impact of this boardwalk.
Get a grip. It is a set of stairs that allows private access to a beach. If you want that kind of privilege, pay for it. And for the record, if you think people on here are being a bit bitter, it is because they are. You can afford to come here and summer in PEI, while many locals are struggling to pay off their mortgage. Maybe that is why your petition only got 80 signatures where there are 170 cottages (and Im sure lots of cottages signed twice - once per resident). -
- OLd Tory
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:50:23
So, your stairs and boardwalk need repairs, go fix it and stop whining. I can't afford to live in Lakeside so why should I pay to fix the stairs from your cottages to the beach, bullsXit.
-
- dubya
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:40
Maybe the 170 cottage owners should have taken a collection to repair the boardwalk instead of circulating a petition expecting Island taxpayers to foot the bill.
-
- Tom
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:37
The problem with the residents paying for it to be fixed is that it will become a private beach in the eyes of the residents. Just like Clarences beach down the road from Lakeside. The summer residents always feel some sort of ownership to the beach, and do everything they can to steer year round residents away from their beach
-
- from away
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:35
$20,000 divided by 170 = $117.65. If you can afford a cottage, you can afford $117.64. Buck up you cheapskates!
-
- Andy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:33
Maybe these summer visitors who have the luxury of being able to afford a vacation property can pool their own money to pay for repairing the boardwalk.
PEI is one of the poorest, if not the poorest, province in Canada. We have to pay for health care and other basic services for our year-round residents.
A boardwalk for a private cottage development is not a priority for Islanders. -
- Cindy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:33
I grew up 10 mins from this beach and spent countless hours there in the summer. While visiting the Island last summer I took my husband and 2 young children to see the beautiful Lakeside beach and could not get over the unsightly, unusable boardwalk. That beach is a tourist attraction and people will spend money to come to the Island and use it. Fixing the boardwalk makes sense for so many reasons!!!
-
- Private you say???????
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:31
Nobody 'owns' the beach!! Anyone who thinks this is most likely NOT an Islander!!!
-
- Jessica
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:31
I spent many summers at this beach and it is terrible to see how run down it looks. I was hoping to be able to take my young daughter there this summer but will not be until something is done. I am not laying blame to anyone but it needs to be fixed and people need to get their butts in gear and get it done, whoever it is that is responsible for doing so.
-
- corrupt
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:31
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don't make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can't face them
day to day.
Now I'm livin'
out here on the beach,
but those stairs are
still out of reach. -
- The Facts
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:30
The access to the beach IS privately owned and the government had to seek permission from the owner to construct the existing structure. If it were as easy as many suggest it would have been done. There are many resourceful residents in Lakeside whom in the past have maintained a boardwalk to assist elderly residents in reaching the beach, however once the government stepped in to build a boardwalk they must assume that it is the government's responsibility to maintain that which they constructed. I for one believe that it is more of an environmental issue than anything and that the government just needs to make a decision one way or another so that the residents can take action.
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:29
im not a resident of Lakeside but live nearby. i have been going there for about 20 yrs and love it. i seriously hope this issue gets resolved and for the sake of our dunes -VERY FAST. At the beginning of last summer there was one path through the grass and then people started to branch off and make many more. this is an enviromental issue and i hope to see a completed boardwalk asap.
-
- The Observer
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:27
The beach at Lakeside is hardly private. Anyone can drive down to the boardwalk. For many years before we moved to PEI we rented a cottege nearby and used the beach almost everyday. Nobody ever made us feel unwelcome.
However it is right beside the Crowbush golf course. I wonder if that has something to do with why the government won't fix the boardwalk. Perhaps the owners of the golf course don't want the riff-raff wandering around on the edge of their exclusive piece of turf and have convinced the government to do nothing. -
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:23
Our cottage community pay to maintain beach and road access to our beach as well as placement of large rock to stabilize the sea bank. We don't look to the government and other tax payers to assist with this work and a number of us pay extra property taxes because we are not considered Islanders .
-
- who owns it
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:17
Who owns the boardwalk? Who built it? If it's the province, ok, they've a legitimate gripe. If not, FIX IT YOURSELF! Or maybe they're waiting for a roundabout.
-
- nellie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:48:12
Welcome all you tourists and summer residents to the Wonderful Island
Hospitality . I just hope Regis and Kelly can bring more of y'all so they all can enjoy it too!!!!! -
- justa
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:26
Those one hundred and seventy cottage owners (I question that number) just might have to pay a little something out of their own pockets... I mean come on, they got the first set for free!
Should someone in Tignish, or say Souris, have to pay to fix a set of stairs going down to the beach in Lakeside? I don't think so.
The government could not afford to keep all the provincal parks open. This is a good example of things we should not be paying for.
Yes we could help them out with engineering and such, perhaps even a few loads of rock, but I don't see the need to be spending my tax dollars on a someone else's beach stairs. -
- Greggmac
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:22
Maybe all those 170 residents should chip in 50 or 100 bucks apiece and hire a contractor. Seems more productive than whining doesn't it?
-
- Question
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:21
Is there any truth that the beach is privately owned? My understanding is that the land is owned by a private family.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:16
There is a huge amount of taxes being collected from cottage owners across PEI. These cottages are mostly all on private roads with no assistance from government for road maintenance, waste pickup, fire and ambulance etc which all have to have access to these cottages. The Government says the streets have to have names with prescribed civic number on the cottages. Government (permits) controls the building of cottages, septics and where and how culverts should put in when there is flowing water. In other words, it is a PEI subdivision. The tax rate and tax increases assessed on the cottages are sometimes higher than those in a subdivision in Charlottetown, for example. These controls are all good but where does the tax money collected from these cottage owners go?? I agree that government should be assisting with repairs and upkeep but when they assist with one, they must assist with all .
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:15
i dont live in lakeside but have used this beach for about 20 yrs. i was heartbroken last yr to see the damage to the dunes because of the broken boardwalk. this is an enviromental issue which i seriously hope gets resolved for the sake of our beautifully unique landscape. maybe a picture of the destruction would have been more benefical.
-
- Crow
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:15
Why should the cottage owners pay for something that everyone uses? If this is the case, we should put a toll booth at the bottom of the boardwalk. I am sure all of you fools who have been chomping at the bit, drive down there and haul your 3.5 kids over the dunes quite often during the summer month.
It sounds to me like we have a bunch of jealous Church Roaders just loving to poke the finger.
Get off the poggie and lay off the smokes and someday you will have enough money to buy a cottage (or a trailer....) -
- local beach user
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:15
this is more than just a set of stairs it is a wheelchair ramp as well which raises the amount of materials required aka. the cost. Many taxpayers who don't live in Lakeside use this beach, what should be done, I'm not sure but for now the unslightly, unsafe structure should be removed before someone gets hurt.
-
- Bloody Shame
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:14
Lakeside is not in the National Park which means no fees to get in,which in turn means no $$ for government.Did you ever think that perhaps they(gov't) are dragging their feet because they want you to go to a beach inside the National Park.
-
- commenter
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:13
They sure look livid in that picture.
-
- Alphonse (Red) McGurr
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:12
If its so important to them why don't they get together, throw in a few bucks and fix the thing.
Government can't do everthing and what a bunch of balogna $20,000.00 to fix a set of stairs. I am sure that between 170 people who can afford a beachfront cottage there must be enough drive and talent to just do it.
AS FOR GOVERNMENTS ROLE, STICK TO HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FIXING ROADS. -
- Jamie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:06
Wish I had a cottage to complain about. Maybe the gov't should buy me one. I'd gladly pay for the stairs...
-
- sam
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:47:04
seems to me if you can afford a cottage there , you can afford $ 117.00 per cottage owner to fix the boardwalk . If the taxpayer fixes it , i assume the taxpayer could use it ?
-
- RB
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:59
So that's just a $120 contribution from each cottage owner. Yet for two years they haven't bothered to organize themselves toward getting the work done themselves? They are pathetic hypocrites. The government (a.k.a. tax-paying Islanders) owes these people zilch. By going to the media, all the cottagers have done is to expose themselves to our ridicule.
-
- R&R
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:58
Sorry for all the negativity this has generated! Lakesideis a good tourist area which can be attested to by the local, national, and international license plates along the LS Beach Rd almost every day throughout the summer. The cottagers have welcomed enjoyment of the beach for decades. Some faithful few have also cleaned the beach party/users debris with no complaint. Give them a break from the generally misguided and virulent rich sons of b prejudice. Shame. Efforts to determine governments sense of obligation to Lakeside's dunes and tourist contribution has been met with delay and noncommital answers. Lakeside is willing to do its part. They are willing to share a beautiful natural resource. They are willing to help make it accessible. For my part, I believe strongly that some degree of funding and engineering assistance would be reasonable given the place that Lakeside has held in the tourist psyche for the last six or seven decades. Ask any mom and dad from away or from home what they would think is reasonable. I think they would give a resounding Yes to restoring access - on a cost shared basis. Give them a green light and appropriate level of support in this worthwhile endeavor!!
-
- You should be embarrassed
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:58
The residents should absolutely be embarrassed. What egos!
Instead of proactively doing something about it, they let it become an eyesore and dangerous. Why are you waiting for government? Anywhere else on the Island, private cottage owners look after their own shoreline, cribbing it against weather erosion, building 'their OWN stairs' and never 'embarrass' themselves by putting such a ridiculous article in the paper expecting to garner some sympathy. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!! -
- sick
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:56
1 - this is a private access point to the beach, so it should be up to the landowners to replace it.
2 - $20,000 to fix a set of stairs? Seriously? Talk to some of the locals - they could probably get it done for $2,000
3 - Regulating things like septic installation and installation of culverts in existing waterways does not make this an approved subdivision. The government regulates these things to ensure protection of the environment (ie. So you cant pump your raw sewage into the water or disrupt existing waterways to the detriment of wildlife and those upstream and downstream). It does not regulate these things so that it can start providing full services to anyone who wants to build a cottage along a private access road.
4 - The boardwalk is our lifeline... well, at least you arent grossly exaggerating the impact of this boardwalk.
Get a grip. It is a set of stairs that allows private access to a beach. If you want that kind of privilege, pay for it. And for the record, if you think people on here are being a bit bitter, it is because they are. You can afford to come here and summer in PEI, while many locals are struggling to pay off their mortgage. Maybe that is why your petition only got 80 signatures where there are 170 cottages (and Im sure lots of cottages signed twice - once per resident). -
- OLd Tory
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:54
So, your stairs and boardwalk need repairs, go fix it and stop whining. I can't afford to live in Lakeside so why should I pay to fix the stairs from your cottages to the beach, bullsXit.
-
- dubya
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:43
Maybe the 170 cottage owners should have taken a collection to repair the boardwalk instead of circulating a petition expecting Island taxpayers to foot the bill.
-
- Tom
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:40
The problem with the residents paying for it to be fixed is that it will become a private beach in the eyes of the residents. Just like Clarences beach down the road from Lakeside. The summer residents always feel some sort of ownership to the beach, and do everything they can to steer year round residents away from their beach
-
- from away
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:37
$20,000 divided by 170 = $117.65. If you can afford a cottage, you can afford $117.64. Buck up you cheapskates!
-
- Cindy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:35
I grew up 10 mins from this beach and spent countless hours there in the summer. While visiting the Island last summer I took my husband and 2 young children to see the beautiful Lakeside beach and could not get over the unsightly, unusable boardwalk. That beach is a tourist attraction and people will spend money to come to the Island and use it. Fixing the boardwalk makes sense for so many reasons!!!
-
- Andy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:34
Maybe these summer visitors who have the luxury of being able to afford a vacation property can pool their own money to pay for repairing the boardwalk.
PEI is one of the poorest, if not the poorest, province in Canada. We have to pay for health care and other basic services for our year-round residents.
A boardwalk for a private cottage development is not a priority for Islanders. -
- Private you say???????
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:33
Nobody 'owns' the beach!! Anyone who thinks this is most likely NOT an Islander!!!
-
- Jessica
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:33
I spent many summers at this beach and it is terrible to see how run down it looks. I was hoping to be able to take my young daughter there this summer but will not be until something is done. I am not laying blame to anyone but it needs to be fixed and people need to get their butts in gear and get it done, whoever it is that is responsible for doing so.
-
- corrupt
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:33
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don't make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can't face them
day to day.
Now I'm livin'
out here on the beach,
but those stairs are
still out of reach. -
- The Facts
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:31
The access to the beach IS privately owned and the government had to seek permission from the owner to construct the existing structure. If it were as easy as many suggest it would have been done. There are many resourceful residents in Lakeside whom in the past have maintained a boardwalk to assist elderly residents in reaching the beach, however once the government stepped in to build a boardwalk they must assume that it is the government's responsibility to maintain that which they constructed. I for one believe that it is more of an environmental issue than anything and that the government just needs to make a decision one way or another so that the residents can take action.
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:30
im not a resident of Lakeside but live nearby. i have been going there for about 20 yrs and love it. i seriously hope this issue gets resolved and for the sake of our dunes -VERY FAST. At the beginning of last summer there was one path through the grass and then people started to branch off and make many more. this is an enviromental issue and i hope to see a completed boardwalk asap.
-
- The Observer
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:28
The beach at Lakeside is hardly private. Anyone can drive down to the boardwalk. For many years before we moved to PEI we rented a cottege nearby and used the beach almost everyday. Nobody ever made us feel unwelcome.
However it is right beside the Crowbush golf course. I wonder if that has something to do with why the government won't fix the boardwalk. Perhaps the owners of the golf course don't want the riff-raff wandering around on the edge of their exclusive piece of turf and have convinced the government to do nothing. -
- nellie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:27
Welcome all you tourists and summer residents to the Wonderful Island
Hospitality . I just hope Regis and Kelly can bring more of y'all so they all can enjoy it too!!!!! -
- who owns it
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:27
Who owns the boardwalk? Who built it? If it's the province, ok, they've a legitimate gripe. If not, FIX IT YOURSELF! Or maybe they're waiting for a roundabout.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:27
Our cottage community pay to maintain beach and road access to our beach as well as placement of large rock to stabilize the sea bank. We don't look to the government and other tax payers to assist with this work and a number of us pay extra property taxes because we are not considered Islanders .
-
- justa
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:22
Those one hundred and seventy cottage owners (I question that number) just might have to pay a little something out of their own pockets... I mean come on, they got the first set for free!
Should someone in Tignish, or say Souris, have to pay to fix a set of stairs going down to the beach in Lakeside? I don't think so.
The government could not afford to keep all the provincal parks open. This is a good example of things we should not be paying for.
Yes we could help them out with engineering and such, perhaps even a few loads of rock, but I don't see the need to be spending my tax dollars on a someone else's beach stairs. -
- Greggmac
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:18
Maybe all those 170 residents should chip in 50 or 100 bucks apiece and hire a contractor. Seems more productive than whining doesn't it?
-
- Question
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:17
Is there any truth that the beach is privately owned? My understanding is that the land is owned by a private family.
-
- local beach user
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:12
this is more than just a set of stairs it is a wheelchair ramp as well which raises the amount of materials required aka. the cost. Many taxpayers who don't live in Lakeside use this beach, what should be done, I'm not sure but for now the unslightly, unsafe structure should be removed before someone gets hurt.
-
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:12
There is a huge amount of taxes being collected from cottage owners across PEI. These cottages are mostly all on private roads with no assistance from government for road maintenance, waste pickup, fire and ambulance etc which all have to have access to these cottages. The Government says the streets have to have names with prescribed civic number on the cottages. Government (permits) controls the building of cottages, septics and where and how culverts should put in when there is flowing water. In other words, it is a PEI subdivision. The tax rate and tax increases assessed on the cottages are sometimes higher than those in a subdivision in Charlottetown, for example. These controls are all good but where does the tax money collected from these cottage owners go?? I agree that government should be assisting with repairs and upkeep but when they assist with one, they must assist with all .
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- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:11
i dont live in lakeside but have used this beach for about 20 yrs. i was heartbroken last yr to see the damage to the dunes because of the broken boardwalk. this is an enviromental issue which i seriously hope gets resolved for the sake of our beautifully unique landscape. maybe a picture of the destruction would have been more benefical.
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- Crow
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:11
Why should the cottage owners pay for something that everyone uses? If this is the case, we should put a toll booth at the bottom of the boardwalk. I am sure all of you fools who have been chomping at the bit, drive down there and haul your 3.5 kids over the dunes quite often during the summer month.
It sounds to me like we have a bunch of jealous Church Roaders just loving to poke the finger.
Get off the poggie and lay off the smokes and someday you will have enough money to buy a cottage (or a trailer....) -
- Bloody Shame
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:10
Lakeside is not in the National Park which means no fees to get in,which in turn means no $$ for government.Did you ever think that perhaps they(gov't) are dragging their feet because they want you to go to a beach inside the National Park.
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- commenter
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:09
They sure look livid in that picture.
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- Alphonse (Red) McGurr
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:08
If its so important to them why don't they get together, throw in a few bucks and fix the thing.
Government can't do everthing and what a bunch of balogna $20,000.00 to fix a set of stairs. I am sure that between 170 people who can afford a beachfront cottage there must be enough drive and talent to just do it.
AS FOR GOVERNMENTS ROLE, STICK TO HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FIXING ROADS. -
- Jamie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:46:02
Wish I had a cottage to complain about. Maybe the gov't should buy me one. I'd gladly pay for the stairs...
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- sam
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:59
seems to me if you can afford a cottage there , you can afford $ 117.00 per cottage owner to fix the boardwalk . If the taxpayer fixes it , i assume the taxpayer could use it ?
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- RB
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:54
So that's just a $120 contribution from each cottage owner. Yet for two years they haven't bothered to organize themselves toward getting the work done themselves? They are pathetic hypocrites. The government (a.k.a. tax-paying Islanders) owes these people zilch. By going to the media, all the cottagers have done is to expose themselves to our ridicule.
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- R&R
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:53
Sorry for all the negativity this has generated! Lakesideis a good tourist area which can be attested to by the local, national, and international license plates along the LS Beach Rd almost every day throughout the summer. The cottagers have welcomed enjoyment of the beach for decades. Some faithful few have also cleaned the beach party/users debris with no complaint. Give them a break from the generally misguided and virulent rich sons of b prejudice. Shame. Efforts to determine governments sense of obligation to Lakeside's dunes and tourist contribution has been met with delay and noncommital answers. Lakeside is willing to do its part. They are willing to share a beautiful natural resource. They are willing to help make it accessible. For my part, I believe strongly that some degree of funding and engineering assistance would be reasonable given the place that Lakeside has held in the tourist psyche for the last six or seven decades. Ask any mom and dad from away or from home what they would think is reasonable. I think they would give a resounding Yes to restoring access - on a cost shared basis. Give them a green light and appropriate level of support in this worthwhile endeavor!!
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- You should be embarrassed
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:53
The residents should absolutely be embarrassed. What egos!
Instead of proactively doing something about it, they let it become an eyesore and dangerous. Why are you waiting for government? Anywhere else on the Island, private cottage owners look after their own shoreline, cribbing it against weather erosion, building 'their OWN stairs' and never 'embarrass' themselves by putting such a ridiculous article in the paper expecting to garner some sympathy. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!! -
- sick
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:50
1 - this is a private access point to the beach, so it should be up to the landowners to replace it.
2 - $20,000 to fix a set of stairs? Seriously? Talk to some of the locals - they could probably get it done for $2,000
3 - Regulating things like septic installation and installation of culverts in existing waterways does not make this an approved subdivision. The government regulates these things to ensure protection of the environment (ie. So you cant pump your raw sewage into the water or disrupt existing waterways to the detriment of wildlife and those upstream and downstream). It does not regulate these things so that it can start providing full services to anyone who wants to build a cottage along a private access road.
4 - The boardwalk is our lifeline... well, at least you arent grossly exaggerating the impact of this boardwalk.
Get a grip. It is a set of stairs that allows private access to a beach. If you want that kind of privilege, pay for it. And for the record, if you think people on here are being a bit bitter, it is because they are. You can afford to come here and summer in PEI, while many locals are struggling to pay off their mortgage. Maybe that is why your petition only got 80 signatures where there are 170 cottages (and Im sure lots of cottages signed twice - once per resident). -
- OLd Tory
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:48
So, your stairs and boardwalk need repairs, go fix it and stop whining. I can't afford to live in Lakeside so why should I pay to fix the stairs from your cottages to the beach, bullsXit.
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- dubya
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:20
Maybe the 170 cottage owners should have taken a collection to repair the boardwalk instead of circulating a petition expecting Island taxpayers to foot the bill.
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- Tom
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:17
The problem with the residents paying for it to be fixed is that it will become a private beach in the eyes of the residents. Just like Clarences beach down the road from Lakeside. The summer residents always feel some sort of ownership to the beach, and do everything they can to steer year round residents away from their beach
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- from away
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:15
$20,000 divided by 170 = $117.65. If you can afford a cottage, you can afford $117.64. Buck up you cheapskates!
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- Cindy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:12
I grew up 10 mins from this beach and spent countless hours there in the summer. While visiting the Island last summer I took my husband and 2 young children to see the beautiful Lakeside beach and could not get over the unsightly, unusable boardwalk. That beach is a tourist attraction and people will spend money to come to the Island and use it. Fixing the boardwalk makes sense for so many reasons!!!
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- Andy
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:11
Maybe these summer visitors who have the luxury of being able to afford a vacation property can pool their own money to pay for repairing the boardwalk.
PEI is one of the poorest, if not the poorest, province in Canada. We have to pay for health care and other basic services for our year-round residents.
A boardwalk for a private cottage development is not a priority for Islanders. -
- Private you say???????
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:10
Nobody 'owns' the beach!! Anyone who thinks this is most likely NOT an Islander!!!
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- Jessica
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:10
I spent many summers at this beach and it is terrible to see how run down it looks. I was hoping to be able to take my young daughter there this summer but will not be until something is done. I am not laying blame to anyone but it needs to be fixed and people need to get their butts in gear and get it done, whoever it is that is responsible for doing so.
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- corrupt
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:10
Though my problems
are meaningless,
that don't make them
go away.
I need a crowd of people,
but I can't face them
day to day.
Now I'm livin'
out here on the beach,
but those stairs are
still out of reach. -
- The Facts
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:09
The access to the beach IS privately owned and the government had to seek permission from the owner to construct the existing structure. If it were as easy as many suggest it would have been done. There are many resourceful residents in Lakeside whom in the past have maintained a boardwalk to assist elderly residents in reaching the beach, however once the government stepped in to build a boardwalk they must assume that it is the government's responsibility to maintain that which they constructed. I for one believe that it is more of an environmental issue than anything and that the government just needs to make a decision one way or another so that the residents can take action.
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- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:07
im not a resident of Lakeside but live nearby. i have been going there for about 20 yrs and love it. i seriously hope this issue gets resolved and for the sake of our dunes -VERY FAST. At the beginning of last summer there was one path through the grass and then people started to branch off and make many more. this is an enviromental issue and i hope to see a completed boardwalk asap.
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- The Observer
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:06
The beach at Lakeside is hardly private. Anyone can drive down to the boardwalk. For many years before we moved to PEI we rented a cottege nearby and used the beach almost everyday. Nobody ever made us feel unwelcome.
However it is right beside the Crowbush golf course. I wonder if that has something to do with why the government won't fix the boardwalk. Perhaps the owners of the golf course don't want the riff-raff wandering around on the edge of their exclusive piece of turf and have convinced the government to do nothing. -
- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:05
Our cottage community pay to maintain beach and road access to our beach as well as placement of large rock to stabilize the sea bank. We don't look to the government and other tax payers to assist with this work and a number of us pay extra property taxes because we are not considered Islanders .
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- nellie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:04
Welcome all you tourists and summer residents to the Wonderful Island
Hospitality . I just hope Regis and Kelly can bring more of y'all so they all can enjoy it too!!!!! -
- who owns it
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:04
Who owns the boardwalk? Who built it? If it's the province, ok, they've a legitimate gripe. If not, FIX IT YOURSELF! Or maybe they're waiting for a roundabout.
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- justa
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:45:00
Those one hundred and seventy cottage owners (I question that number) just might have to pay a little something out of their own pockets... I mean come on, they got the first set for free!
Should someone in Tignish, or say Souris, have to pay to fix a set of stairs going down to the beach in Lakeside? I don't think so.
The government could not afford to keep all the provincal parks open. This is a good example of things we should not be paying for.
Yes we could help them out with engineering and such, perhaps even a few loads of rock, but I don't see the need to be spending my tax dollars on a someone else's beach stairs. -
- Question
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:56
Is there any truth that the beach is privately owned? My understanding is that the land is owned by a private family.
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- Greggmac
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:56
Maybe all those 170 residents should chip in 50 or 100 bucks apiece and hire a contractor. Seems more productive than whining doesn't it?
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- local beach user
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:51
this is more than just a set of stairs it is a wheelchair ramp as well which raises the amount of materials required aka. the cost. Many taxpayers who don't live in Lakeside use this beach, what should be done, I'm not sure but for now the unslightly, unsafe structure should be removed before someone gets hurt.
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- Cottage Owner
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:51
There is a huge amount of taxes being collected from cottage owners across PEI. These cottages are mostly all on private roads with no assistance from government for road maintenance, waste pickup, fire and ambulance etc which all have to have access to these cottages. The Government says the streets have to have names with prescribed civic number on the cottages. Government (permits) controls the building of cottages, septics and where and how culverts should put in when there is flowing water. In other words, it is a PEI subdivision. The tax rate and tax increases assessed on the cottages are sometimes higher than those in a subdivision in Charlottetown, for example. These controls are all good but where does the tax money collected from these cottage owners go?? I agree that government should be assisting with repairs and upkeep but when they assist with one, they must assist with all .
-
- beach lover
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:50
i dont live in lakeside but have used this beach for about 20 yrs. i was heartbroken last yr to see the damage to the dunes because of the broken boardwalk. this is an enviromental issue which i seriously hope gets resolved for the sake of our beautifully unique landscape. maybe a picture of the destruction would have been more benefical.
-
- Crow
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:50
Why should the cottage owners pay for something that everyone uses? If this is the case, we should put a toll booth at the bottom of the boardwalk. I am sure all of you fools who have been chomping at the bit, drive down there and haul your 3.5 kids over the dunes quite often during the summer month.
It sounds to me like we have a bunch of jealous Church Roaders just loving to poke the finger.
Get off the poggie and lay off the smokes and someday you will have enough money to buy a cottage (or a trailer....) -
- Bloody Shame
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:49
Lakeside is not in the National Park which means no fees to get in,which in turn means no $$ for government.Did you ever think that perhaps they(gov't) are dragging their feet because they want you to go to a beach inside the National Park.
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- commenter
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:48
They sure look livid in that picture.
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- Alphonse (Red) McGurr
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:47
If its so important to them why don't they get together, throw in a few bucks and fix the thing.
Government can't do everthing and what a bunch of balogna $20,000.00 to fix a set of stairs. I am sure that between 170 people who can afford a beachfront cottage there must be enough drive and talent to just do it.
AS FOR GOVERNMENTS ROLE, STICK TO HEALTH, EDUCATION AND FIXING ROADS. -
- Jamie
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:41
Wish I had a cottage to complain about. Maybe the gov't should buy me one. I'd gladly pay for the stairs...
-
- sam
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:39
seems to me if you can afford a cottage there , you can afford $ 117.00 per cottage owner to fix the boardwalk . If the taxpayer fixes it , i assume the taxpayer could use it ?
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- RB
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:34
So that's just a $120 contribution from each cottage owner. Yet for two years they haven't bothered to organize themselves toward getting the work done themselves? They are pathetic hypocrites. The government (a.k.a. tax-paying Islanders) owes these people zilch. By going to the media, all the cottagers have done is to expose themselves to our ridicule.
-
- R&R
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:33
Sorry for all the negativity this has generated! Lakesideis a good tourist area which can be attested to by the local, national, and international license plates along the LS Beach Rd almost every day throughout the summer. The cottagers have welcomed enjoyment of the beach for decades. Some faithful few have also cleaned the beach party/users debris with no complaint. Give them a break from the generally misguided and virulent rich sons of b prejudice. Shame. Efforts to determine governments sense of obligation to Lakeside's dunes and tourist contribution has been met with delay and noncommital answers. Lakeside is willing to do its part. They are willing to share a beautiful natural resource. They are willing to help make it accessible. For my part, I believe strongly that some degree of funding and engineering assistance would be reasonable given the place that Lakeside has held in the tourist psyche for the last six or seven decades. Ask any mom and dad from away or from home what they would think is reasonable. I think they would give a resounding Yes to restoring access - on a cost shared basis. Give them a green light and appropriate level of support in this worthwhile endeavor!!
-
- You should be embarrassed
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:33
The residents should absolutely be embarrassed. What egos!
Instead of proactively doing something about it, they let it become an eyesore and dangerous. Why are you waiting for government? Anywhere else on the Island, private cottage owners look after their own shoreline, cribbing it against weather erosion, building 'their OWN stairs' and never 'embarrass' themselves by putting such a ridiculous article in the paper expecting to garner some sympathy. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!! -
- sick
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:30
1 - this is a private access point to the beach, so it should be up to the landowners to replace it.
2 - $20,000 to fix a set of stairs? Seriously? Talk to some of the locals - they could probably get it done for $2,000
3 - Regulating things like septic installation and installation of culverts in existing waterways does not make this an approved subdivision. The government regulates these things to ensure protection of the environment (ie. So you cant pump your raw sewage into the water or disrupt existing waterways to the detriment of wildlife and those upstream and downstream). It does not regulate these things so that it can start providing full services to anyone who wants to build a cottage along a private access road.
4 - The boardwalk is our lifeline... well, at least you arent grossly exaggerating the impact of this boardwalk.
Get a grip. It is a set of stairs that allows private access to a beach. If you want that kind of privilege, pay for it. And for the record, if you think people on here are being a bit bitter, it is because they are. You can afford to come here and summer in PEI, while many locals are struggling to pay off their mortgage. Maybe that is why your petition only got 80 signatures where there are 170 cottages (and Im sure lots of cottages signed twice - once per resident). -
- OLd Tory
- - July 8th, 2010 at 14:44:28
So, your stairs and boardwalk need repairs, go fix it and stop whining. I can't afford to live in Lakeside so why should I pay to fix the stairs from your cottages to the beach, bullsXit.
