They’re allowed on Pinafore Lake and one city resident wants to know why canoes and kayaks are not permitted on Lake Margaret. Jim Copeland, a Lake Margaret-area resident, has written to Mayor Joe Preston and council members stressing it’s time “to open up Lake Margaret for recreational purposes to benefit the majority of the population.” Copeland includes fishing in those activities.
The decision to prohibit fishing in Lake Margaret was a recommendation of the 2010 Lake Margaret Environmental Plan.
The city assumed ownership of the lake from developer Doug Tarry Limited in 2017.
Copeland wonders “Why is there a double standard for Lake Margaret when there is no scientific or environmental reason . . . to restrict activities on this man-made body of water?”
He has at least one supporter on council. In April of 2017, Coun. Steve Wookey noted, “In my world, there should be fishing and canoeing.” He echoed those sentiments during his unsuccessful 2018 mayoral campaign.
Copeland adds, “In the age of COVID-19, there may be no more important time to allow citizen access to Lake Margaret in an effort to mitigate the negative physical and mental aspects of this pandemic.”
Copeland’s letter is on the agenda for Monday’s (Feb. 1) council meeting which begins at 5 p.m.
