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4 be 5 = DAVID LEA dlea@metroland.com The Town of Oakville will per- mit night fishing from its piers ille Beaver | Thursday, May 4, 2023 | 2 2 day, April 24meeting to approvea é pilot program that will see fish- wed within designated ar- eas of ‘the east pier in Bronte as well as the cast/west piers in Oakville from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., Aug. 1 to Oct. 15. Prol hibitions | against fishing from town property, including from the piers, had been in Place from April 15 to Nov. 15 around 2 25 years. arks and Open Space director Chris Mark said those restrictions were put in place to protect recreational boaters and pedestrians on piers and water- front walkways from being in- jured by an angler casting their tne restrictions eased some- what in 2021 when the restriction period was reduced (May 15 to Oct. 15) to allow for additional Anglers fishing from Bronte Pier in 2020. spring and fall fishing. During 2021, the town also be- gan allowing year-round fishing from the west pier in Bronte due to a lack of pedestrian activity there. Mark said the night fishing pi- lot project is the latest attempt by lown staff to reach a balance be- tween public safety and the in- creased interest in recreational insidehalton.com fishing that arose in Oakville during the pandemic. “Fishing is often better in the late evening, starting about dusk, because the fish swim closer to shore due to reduced boat/ca- noe/kayak/paddleboard activity within the harbours and creeks,” said Mark in a report to council. “Besides the technical reasons for better fishing after dusk, it Graham Paine/Metroland would allow recreational/hobby fishing to occur in the later eve- ning hours when the weather is warm and activity in our parks ander creeks is reduced.” Mark also pointed out the Aug. 1 to Oct. 15 night fishing pe- ried coincides with the salmon run. "Tt is staff's opinion this new fishing opportunity should be on NIGHT FISHING PERMITTED FROM LOCAL PIERS STARTING LATE SUMMER a pilot basis to determine the in- terest in night fishing and note any concerns expressed by the community or participants," said Mark. “Fishing is typically a quiet, sedentary activity that should not bother other park patrons or nearby residents during the eve- Mark sa said staff would report the results of this pilot project to count during the first quarter of 20: He, also emphasized in the re- port the night fishing pilot only applies to designated areas atthe Bronte and Oak vont? town's numerous water- parks where fishing is pro- hones through posted signage are not being considered for any fishing approvals. ‘ing within the harbours alse remaing restricted from May 15 to Oct. 15 with the exception of the designated areas at the piers. Town staff said signs will be posted to make people aware of these designated night fishing ar- eas.