Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke wants citizens to know the city is "putting measures in place" to help stop overcrowding at local beaches.
He said the city's recent introduction of temporary waterfront parking and boat launch restrictions on weekends has worked - to a degree.
While more than 6,000 resident permits have been issued to city taxpayers allowing them to park and launch their boat for free from Thursdays through Sundays this summer, some visitors are finding "creative" ways around paying the $50 fee to park and to launch their boats.
Those creative methods include parking along Highway 12 (to access Tudhope Park) and to illegally park in privately-owned lots near the city's popular beaches.
"We are putting measures in place to address those very situations," said Clarke, noting staff "are working tirelessly" to address "issues that evolve on a daily basis."
The mayor acknowledged "there's much work to be done."
He also warned city residents and visitors alike that the city will now be ticketing people using barbecues and cooking in city parks. Those people could face a $300 fine. Those who park illegally can receive a $100 ticket.
"If ticketing doesn't send the message, towing will be the next step," vowed the mayor.
He said these are "challenging times" and stressed he "never imagined" such measures would be required.
"Trust me: We don't put these measures in with a smile on our face. In fact, it goes against some of the very values we stand for," said the mayor.
Clarke also applauded the efforts of staff and singled out the work of bylaw officers "who have been yelled at and even spit at," yet do their jobs professionally.
He urged patience and asked people to be kind to one another.
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