jjz wrote:
pc154 wrote:
Jjz,
I understand the order under the EMCPA does not specifically mention boat ramps......it will come down to if a boat ramp is considered an outdoor recreational amenity.
I do hope you are right.
From the actual statute......
(2) Outdoor recreational amenities that are intended for use by more than one family are closed, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned and regardless of whether they are attached to a park system.
Dont worry I am. The vast majority of jurisdictions in Ontario have their boat launches open. The noise you are here is from high population areas or areas on big water. Lots of anglers but a very small percentage of launches. Now are all the launches that are open suitable for a 20’ bass boat? Probably not but most Ontario launches are open. Could the government change that tmo? Sure but the law they put in place does not close boat launches. If a municipality says we are short staffed so we are choosing to not to put in docks etc, i understand that 100% and cant really argue with it. But the ones that are closing it because they say they are directed by the provinical govt are not being straight with you.
It is in fact the provincial order of the EMCPA that municipalities have closed ramps under. And it will come down to the interpretation of the EMCPA order by a JP whether or not boat launches were considered an "outdoor recreational amenity.
OPP or other police certainly will have grounds to issue a ticket to someone using a closed ramp.
I agree there are a lots of ramps still open, its a huge province. But I think more will close before they all open back up. Most of the public ramps around southern Ontario seem to be closed.