March 4, 2011
Province Issues Stop-work Order on Unauthorized Structures at Victoria Beach
Manitoba Conservation advises it is issuing an order today to stop unauthorized construction of erosion control structures on Crown land at Victoria Beach. The order only applies to work on Crown land, not to work on private land.
The structures have been built partly on a public road that runs along the shoreline between Lake Winnipeg and private land owned by cottagers. This road, much of which has been washed away by the lake, is on Crown land and is also subject to municipal control and management.
The department said the public road must be legally closed through a municipal bylaw in order for any application for construction and development on the road plan to be considered. In the absence of a road-closing bylaw or enforcement to stop unauthorized work on public property by the municipality, the province is issuing the order to halt further construction.
Manitoba Water Stewardship is assessing the situation and further action is possible. The departments advise the province is committed to working with the municipality, property owners and other stakeholders to find a long-term solution to the problem of erosion on Victoria Beach and across Lake Winnipeg.
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