Report on roads and signage prepared for the 2007 AGM

• The path network is in good shape. A few sections need minor trimming. The association encourages primary users, i.e., the neighbouring cottagers, to do this but the association could help when asked, and cover costs such as lawnmower gas for the main roads. We suggest that
  • cottagers clear their own paths, enlisting neighbours if possible
  • where help is needed, call Bill Johnson at 359-6000, or John Curley at 359-5085/549-1021. They will help or get help.
  • a stipend be paid to the Hortons for their good work mowing the main road.
• The new signage is excellent where it exists, but more is needed to establish a uniform standard and facilitate navigation.
• If we had path names (e.g. Howards Trail), cottagers would use them in addition to numbers for directions. We need to vet path names with the municipality due to possible 911 confusion. We should proceed slowly, naming two or three main paths, and review next year.
• We could mark some unopened rights of way to help interested cottagers who want to blaze a walking trail.
• The attached map shows the network and current and planned signage. The legend:
  • purple - paths following rights of way
  • dark green - unofficial paths
  • red circle, solid - existing sign
  • red circle with inner dot - planned sign

 

 

Other comments

There is an attractive variety to the paths and roads on Birch Island. The wide main road offshoots to smaller paths leading to groups of cottages, Some paths are neatly mowed, some scruffy but level, and some are rough trails where cottagers must watch their step. Because paths are maintained by adjoining cottagers, the variety usually reflects their needs as primary users. Generally paths are in reasonable, usable shape, though some may need mowing or light branch trimming to meet the standard set by the association in 1986 (copy below).

Besides access to walking trails, the road system provides a route for the occasional truck or backhoe, as well as for emergency help, e.g. for neighbours to respond to a fire.

Except for the unopened concession road and causeway area, all Birch Island land, including roads, is privately owned. Most paths and roads are registered rights-of-way still owned by the holding company, "Birch Island Estates". But some cross land that is not an explicit right-of-way. Some of these unofficial paths are connections to the road network for cottagers without an explicitly registered link; others have come into use as a convenient alternative to clearing a trail through an existing right-of-way. Where paths have been used for years without objection by a land owner, cottagers may have acquired rights ("prescriptive easement") by dint of continuous use.

In the case of unopened rights of way, it's been suggested that interested cottagers might open new trails if the association marked their locations.

Chuck Laudermilch
John Feltmate
John Curley

Policy: Pathways (Approved A.G.M. 1986)

 

This proposed policy is based on the assumption that the majority of BIRPOA members are of the opinion that they have free and unrestricted use of all the footpaths on Birch Island , and that they wish to be able to use these footpaths at their leisure. It is further recognized that there is a need for cleared footpaths to help prevent the spread of grass fires, and for fire fighting purposes.

IS IT RECOMMENDED THAT:

1. those who own property adjacent to the footpaths be responsible for clearing, and keeping cleared, such footpaths;

2. where footpaths are not kept cleared, it is suggested that neighbours share the work voluntarily;

3. clearing should be done to a minimum width of 6 feet but should not extend beyond the sides of the footpath lots;

4. clearing of brush, trees, and grass shall be done by cutting or chopping. No chemical defoliants are to be used, except to destroy injurious plants such as poison ivy. Stumps should be cut as close to the ground as possible to prevent tripping over them by casual strollers;

5. brush should be disposed of by cutting it up and laying it flat on the ground, off to the side of the clearing;

6. property owners are asked to erect lot number signs at the entrance to their property from the pathway (this is in addition to numbers on their waterfront side);

7. extraordinary, but reasonable, expenses incurred in clearing footpaths will be reimbursed from BIRPOA funds.