If you like to spend your weekends out on the boat cruising around Walpole Island, things are about to change.
Effective June 1st, non-members of Walpole Island First Nation will require a pleasure craft license to drop anchor in the bay and channels.
The reason for deciding to implement the new procedure is to ensure the protection of sensitive ecological areas, like fish habitats.
The money will go towards recovering costs of enforcement and administration.
The cost of the license is $100, and can be purchased at the Walpole Island Governance centre, the Willow Beach Post, Gary’s Taxidermy and Tanning, or by calling 519-627-1481.
Walpole Island First Nation defines pleasure craft as a boat, ship, vessel, or any other description of watercraft that is used exclusively for pleasure, and does not carry passengers or goods for hire, reward, remuneration or any object of profit.
Officials say there is no fee to pass through Walpole waters. Rules that came into effect last summer ban the use of Seadoos and waterskiing in the First Nation’s territory.
American pleasure craft are restricted from entering all Walpole Island channels and bays. Once border restrictions loosen Americans will be required to purchase a WIFN pleasure craft license.
WIFN waterways are patrolled by Walpole Island resource protection and Walpole Island Police Services as well as other Canadian Provincial Police services and RCMP patrol.