With Summer approaching, Go Home Lake residents are growing concerned about new garbage disposal arrangements.
Residents say garbage and recycling bins near the two lake marinas will be removed and replaced with lakeside garbage collection, and they’re expected to bring their garbage by boat to the garbage truck during certain hours on certain days.
“We’re flabbergasted by the new garbage plans. We understand that change may be required, but the new collection plans are completely infeasible. They’re chaotic and potentially dangerous,” says Geoff Hogan, President of the Go Home Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (GHLCOA,) who he says represents over 430 cottage owners – 90 per cent of which are water access only.
Hogan adds there could be a situation where 400 boats are travelling down the “dangerously narrow” channel at the same time to get to and from the truck, creating a hazardous situation.
“It’s very difficult to boat down the marsh, so that means parking your boat at one of only four spots at the government dock,” says Hogan. “From there, people would have to walk almost half a kilometre to the truck with their heavy garbage and recycling, while there are hundreds of other boats idling and waiting to park within the timeframe.”
He adds this will also impact various nesting wildlife species on the shoreline, and if bins are taken away, it will increase illegal dumping on the campsites and the surrounding areas.
“A one-size-fits-all approach to garbage collection simply does not work in this situation,” says Hogan. “The Township of Georgian Bay is one of only two municipalities in Ontario where over 50 per cent of the residents are water access only – blanket solutions designed for road access properties just do not work for this area.”
James Steele, Commissioner, Engineering and Public Works with the District says the approach in the Go Home Lake area was developed through direct community input, alignment with the Township’s ‘Needs and Wants Study,’ and compliance with Ministry regulations.
“While we understand that changes to long-standing waste disposal methods can be challenging, the available options—Lakeside Collection, existing depots, and transfer stations—provide flexibility and sustainability,” says Steele.
According to the district, the truck will be located in the Township-owned dock and will be there every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, totalling 15 hours per week during summer months.
The district says service times were selected based on survey responses from community members identifying their typical waste disposal habits.
“This is the highest level of service across all Lakeside services provided by the district,” say District officials.
Steele says the district remains committed to ensuring waste services are accessible, efficient, and financially responsible for all residents and seasonal property owners.
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