Will officials move to ban swimming at Manitoulin Island’s iconic Bridal Veil Falls?
The Township of Billings on Manitoulin Island is contemplating banning swimming in the pool below the iconic Bridal Veil Falls in the Village of Kagawong.
An undated photo of Bridal Veil Falls in the Kagawong on Manitoulin Island. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)
The idea comes on the heels of outrage over the killing of a beloved 30-year-old snapping turtle that called the area home.
The Island community's Mayor Bryan Barker told CTV News that the town has been dealing with a number of complaints concerning people abusing the iconic landmark; from reports of people bathing in the falls or jumping off the peak into the pool below – the have even been reports that people tried to put berms up along the stream.
Township of Billings Mayor Bryan Barker speaks with CTV News via Zoom in September 2024. (Ian Campbell/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Barker said the town is not blaming tourists.
"This has just been a phenomenon that's occurred over the last 10 years or so – but, prior to that, people liked to come and take pictures as well," he said.
"But they don't want dozens of people swimming in the pool as well while they're trying to take pictures so … it's a double-edged sword and we have to be careful at how we handle it."
Town officials said no decision has been made yet and that the subject will be added to upcoming council agendas – possibly as soon as this month.
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