By Gabrielle Drapea
The frustration in the room was palpable as residents spoke (or shouted, as necessary) about the litany of issues happening down on Grand Desert Beach. At the back of the room the once boiling water turned lukewarm unsteeped—unusual for Eastern Shore Maritimers who usually love their tea. The crowd nodded along to the grievances brought up by their neighbours.
Residents of Grand Desert and surrounding communities attended a town hall meeting on September 25 to hash out issues that have been plaguing the beach for years: litter, coastal erosion, and, the most pressing issue, illegal camping.
District 2 councillor, David Hendsbee, and municipal staffer Shauna Doll moderated the event.
“I think one positive thing to come out of here today is that everyone seems to agree on what the next steps should be,” said Doll after the meeting. “Improving signage and continuing this conversation.”
Many residents wanted the city to commit to more than just signs, which they felt would not dissuade the van lifers, based on the fact that previous signs had never succeeded in doing so and had gone missing shortly after being installed. More drastic approaches, such as blocking off all vehicular access to the beach, were tabled.
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