MUSKOKA LAKES — At least one Muskoka Lakes cottager takes issue with the reasons behind a change in the hours of operation of the Port Carling locks.
The change comes after the small lock began to malfunction and was out of operation at times beginning in the fall of 2008 and in 2009, according to a report from Kevin Austin, director of contract and engineering services for the District Municipality of Muskoka.
After conducting an informal survey, district staff recommended the small lock close at the beginning and end of the season and the larger lock remain open longer hours in the peak summer season.
The small lock used to be open 24 hours a day. It will now close at 8 p.m. during the peak season, a change that cottager Chris Horan said doesn’t make sense.
“It costs nothing to keep the little locks open and there is no benefit therefore to closing them,” he said.
Horan feels the district should repair the locks.
“If it needs to be rebuilt, it is a capital project just like the swing bridge over the river,” said Horan.
There are other citizens who may want to use the locks and the district’s reasons behind closing it are not reasonable, he claimed.
“It is like closing a road because it has potholes in it. It is not the appropriate solution.”
The little lock should be maintained properly because it is the backup for the large lock, he added.
Horan had at least one district councillor on his side.
As a boater himself, Bracebridge mayor Don Coates said he has used the Port Carling locks many times in his life, sometimes past midnight.
“I have great sympathy for those who use those locks at night. I don’t think they should be closed,” said Coates at a March 1 district council meeting.
Coates wanted to see service continue at the small locks.
“For a few people that are here for two or three months a year, I believe that is a service we should continue to provide,” said Coates.
The reason behind closing the small lock is to extend its life, explained Tony White, district commissioner for engineering and public works.
Staff anticipated there would be objections to the change in hours, he said.
“But I believe the interests of the majority of the users of the locks are represented by the proposal,” said White at the council meeting.
The proposal to extend the hours of the large locks appeals to a majority of people, he said.
White said staff would respond to Horan’s concerns, but did not want to see the resolution delayed because there are time constraints in informing the public about the new hours. The majority of councillors agreed and the change in hours of operations for the locks was approved.
The large lock will open one hour earlier, at 7 a.m., but close earlier in the spring and fall. Starting on the second Monday in June until Labour Day the large lock will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.
The small lock will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting the second Monday in June until Labour Day.
The complete schedule will be posted on the District of Muskoka’s website at www.muskoka.on.ca.