Some new changes are on the way to how Rotary Beach is managed in Prince Edward County.
During Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting, councillors received a report from staff on the 2024 tourism management plan, and some recommended changes for how the beach was being handled.
The report advised council to remove staff at the gates to the beach and remove the admission fee, as attendance is declining and the beach isn’t reaching maximum capacity. The recommendations also included the creation of a beach steward, a job paid for by MAT funds, that would have a person on the beach to clean up trash, empty trash bins, and clean washrooms in order to maintain a clean environment.
Removing paid admission from the beach also means that the Prince Edward County summer pass would only now provide parking privileges at Huyck’s Point. The summer pass program was advised to continue in order to keep parking under control in that area.
Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer supported the new plans for the beach.
“The changes at the beach, that’s exactly what I was hoping for was to remove the fee,” said Councillor Engelsdorfer. “I think the steward can help maintain it a little better as well too.”
The need for the beach steward position was called into question by Councillor Brad Nieman. He proposed an amendment that would eliminate the beach steward position from the plans.
“It’s going to be for picking up garbage or emptying garbage cans. But it is my understanding that we have employees working on weekends that do that now,” said Councillor Nieman. “Why can they not pop in there once or twice a day to empty the garbage cans?”
The amendment was defeated in voting, and the plans were passed as presented. The changes are still required to go through council for a final approval.
