Cabot Head (Image from Friends Of Cabot Head presentation)
Northern Bruce Peninsula is looking to hear from the community on reestablishing access to Cabot Head Road.
Council approved moving ahead with engaging with the community on a plan to reopen the road during a meeting on Monday.
This comes after severe storm damage and high-water caused extensive washouts and the closure of the road in 2019/20. The municipality later granted temporary access to the road which led to the Cabot Head Lighthouse and Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory.
Since the damage, Northern Bruce Peninsula has not reopened the road.
Council earlier this month approved looking into a draft operational plan for reopening the road.
This plan would only allow authorized users, including the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory, the Friends of Cabot Head Lighthouse, contractors, municipal operations staff, and emergency services to operate vehicles through a gated entry system.
The road would also be set up as a multi-use trail for people to visit the lighthouse and surrounding area, providing the opportunities for hiking, cycling and birdwatching.
The trail would also include signage, safety information, rest areas, and seasonal closures during hazardous conditions.
The municipality will conduct routine inspections and monitor erosion.
Before the municipality moves ahead with the plan, Northern Bruce Peninsula would want to hear from the community.
Engagement will begin in January and include survey, virtual open house, and updates on social media and the municipality’s website.