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LETTER: Finally! A public toilet at Pebbly Beach

Finally, finally municipal staff took notice of the health hazard at Pebbly Beach and placed a Port-A-Potty on public property for the summer.

Finally, finally municipal staff  took notice of the health hazard at Pebbly Beach and placed a Port-A-Potty on public property for the summer. Mannion Bay has two beaches which have been enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for over one hundred years. Water quality, however has been, is and will be precarious to the point that Sandy Beach had to be closed for swimming and bathing because of a high coliform count. Consequently bathers, old and lots of young concentrate on Pebbly.

Unfortunately, the only public toilets are on Sandy Beach and it would take a brisk walk of 15 minutes to reach them from Pebbly. By that time nature will have taken its course.

For years people have relieved themselves on the beach behind scant shrubbery or even on private property and what is worst : in the tidal waters at the beach!

Finally, after decades of comments, discussions and pleas the Public Works Operations Manger, after obtaining the full agreement from the Manager of Parks and Environment, had an inconspicuous portable toilet placed in an accessible spot near the beach. This  long overdue act to maintain public health was overwhelmingly welcomed by  individuals and families with e-mails and phone calls.  Yet five foreshore residents objected so vociferously that BIM’s CEO, ordered the  toilets removed forth with, overriding the permission given by the Parks Manager. This is one of the worst NIMBY-isms in Bowen’s history. That puts the wisdom governing public safety decisions made by top staff at Municipal Hall into serious doubt.

My family has used Pebbly for 40 years and like all users we consider it our most precious beach on the east coat of Bowen and will defend its integrity.

If the public toilet is removed from Pebbly Beach the names and addresses of the objectors should be published that needy people might know where to go.

HC Behm