The mystery of who owns a floating dock — and what purpose it serves — that has been seen docked along Barrie’s waterfront over the last few days continues.
Photos of what looked like a patio on floats had been circulating on several local Facebook group pages this week, with many users wondering about its use, as well as the potential risks of such a platform.
In a social media post, one man said he spoke to the operators the morning they set it up, and was told it would be used for Sea-Doo rentals. He also noted the company, which BarrieToday has been unable to confirm the name of despite visiting several waterfront locations, operates out of Wasaga Beach and also plans to have a pontoon to take people out fishing.
A reporter attempted to locate the owners, but when he arrived at the area near the city-owned boat launch where it was located as of Wednesday morning he found two men preparing to tow the platform away from shore with a white and grey jet ski. They appeared to be taking it to the other side of Kempenfelt Bay toward Oro-Medonte.
Scott LaMantia, manager of marketing and communications for Access Barrie, said the city is aware of the structure, adding enforcement services staff have had discussions with the private business operator with respect to the operations and other authorities with jurisdiction have been advised of the operations.
When asked what authority would have jurisdiction in this type of situation, LaMantia said it would likely fall under Transport Canada’s purview.
Peter Leon, the communications co-ordinator for Barrie police, confirmed the department was aware of the structure and was looking into it, as was the City of Barrie and its bylaw department.
“I believe that everyone is looking into it,” Leon said, adding he believes concerns were initially raised at a recent community meeting.
A reporter also reached out to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, all of which confirmed they do not have any jurisdictional involvement with this issue.
A representative from Transport Canada told BarrieToday they would look into the issue.
