We have received comments that we wish to put forward for consideration. Some property owners are concerned over the level of noise from personal, motorized watercraft, especially when they are in close proximity to shorelines, also causing erosion and disrupting wildlife. Other comments relate to “light pollution”. The advantage of being here, away from the city, and seeing the night sky, is one that is negated by permanent outdoor lighting systems. Motion sensor lights may be a more sensitive solution to lighting one’s way.
Speed limits for Moira Lake are as follows:
Within 30 meters or 100 feet of the shoreline, the speed limit is 10 km/hr. This is also the maximum speed through the channel joining the 2 lakes. Beyond the 30-meters/100-feet distance from the shoreline, there is no speed limit.
Boaters should be aware they may be held liable for injury to swimmers, divers and people aboard small vessels that are capsized by the wake of the speeding boat. They may be liable also for damage to other vessels, docks and the shoreline.
The same rules apply when water skiing, with the exception that the power boat may exceed the 10 km/hr speed limit within the 30-meter/100-feet distance from the shoreline, so long as it is moving away from the shore, i.e., accelerating to give the water skier the ability to get up on the skis. The same regulations apply to tubing and other towing activities.
The Association has posted speed limit signs at the channel. There is no requirement for the Association to post signs along the rivers’ edges.
If people witness speeding or other dangerous/illegal activity in the waters, they should report the incident to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). If the situation involves the speeding, etc. of a watercraft, you can record the vessel’s hull identification number, and advise the OPP. The OPP will contact the boat owner and investigate/issue a warning. For charges to be laid, it is necessary for the lawbreakers to be caught in the act by the police.
The above information was summarized from a conversation with the Ontario Provincial Police on July 7th, 2006.