Port Dover beachgoers will now be greeted by no trespassing signs because most of the summer hotspot is actually privately owned. One owner has cited safety concerns as one of the main reasons for the signs and is working with the county to find a solution so people can still have access to the beach.

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Some people who use the beach often tell CHCH News they were shocked to hear that the popular destination has been private this whole time.

“I am disappointed because it’s less space for people to just come and visit the beach which, open water should probably be, the public should have access to.”

Peter Knechtel is one of the private owners of the strip and a handful of shops near the beachfront. He says he saw an influx of tourists over the pandemic and found the crowds overwhelming.

Knechtel says, “We have to be ready for that sort of thing, that influx and I don’t think we were. We tried and we maintained things as best we could last year but it was really difficult on our own.”

Knechtel says there have been ongoing concerns about safety, littering, and even reports of defecation prompting the introduction of the signs last week. “We’re kinda worried that this year, the numbers are going to be greater and we want to work with the county and our partners and the other people who own property here to look at things we should be addressing right now before it’s too late.”

There is a property line between the private and public portions of the beach. Norfolk County says their portion is about 66 feet wide.

Knechtel turned to Norfolk County to look for a solution to help curb the flocks of people ahead of the busy summer season.

Norfolk councillor Adam Veri says they’ve had talks with beach owners and that they have been cooperative and peaceful. He didn’t provide details about a plan, however, Knetchel says he didn’t ask for an entry fee. “We’ve been marketing the waterfront and they’ve been awesome about it and so we think we have to step up and respect that there are things that need to change.”

Norfolk County says they’re expecting to table a report about a mutual solution in the coming weeks.