The public would like access to the private Boblo Island. But how likely is that?
CBC
Some Amherstburg residents are calling for more public access to the much beloved Bois Blanc [Boblo] Island: a local spot that holds memories of first dates, family outings at the old amusement park and heritage sites of historic significance.
The island's developer says it will hopefully happen in the next five years — but some are doubtful.
Amico, the company that owns most of the Amherstburg island, has been developing Boblo as a luxurious residential resort and no longer allows public access. Only residents or guests of residents are permitted to use the private ferry that travels back and forth between Boblo and the mainland. While the public can access the federally-owned white sands beach on the southern part of the island, they need to have a private boat to get there.
"The residents like their privacy and so they don't encourage us to let a lot of visitors on the island," explained Cindy Prince, the Vice-President of Development for Amico.
She added that in recent years, the company had opened the island up to unescorted visitors but that it "didn't work out very well" with people getting hurt on the island, occurrences of damage to property, along with the thefts of endangered snakes off the island.
The most prevalent endangered species on Boblo is the eastern fox snake, which the company has an obligation to protect. Prince said they've had seven snakes stolen off the island in the past.
"When we're trying to do everything we can to help rebuild the species and protect it and have it thrive, then to have that happen is really horrible," she said.
CBC requested access to the island and Prince escorted us on a tour of the land.
Driving through the island, the homes and new developments are built around the remnants of what the Island once was: the old dock that used to bring people over to the island to visit the amusement park (which ran from 1898 until 1993), the old dance hall building still standing after more than 100 years, plus the powerhouse building — often confused for a church — that powered everything that happened on the island.
For Amherstburg teacher Rob Ferguson, the lack of public access is "a shame."
"I grew up with my dad [and] his love with Boblo, his experience and always taking me there when it was run as an amusement park," he reminisced. He also has fond memories of the island in later years, exploring the abandoned ruins and enjoying the nature.
Ferguson used to take his high school geography students to the war-time Blockhouse, where they would visit and learn from volunteer Bill Brundage who spent years working to preserve the structure, along with the late engineer Norm Becker. Community funds also contributed to the restoration.
Owned by Amico, the Blockhouse is a federally-designated heritage property built in 1839. It was used by British troops to protect against military threats from Americans.
Next to the Blockhouse is also an old limestone lighthouse, built in 1836 to help sailors safely navigate the waters for decades. It is owned by and cared for by Parks Canada, sitting on the island's federally-owned land adjacent to the White Sands Conservation Area.
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