To Councilor McIntosh and Members City Council,

We, the undersigned residents, boat owners, and community members of Long Lake, are writing in response to the recent article and the proposed ban on wake surfing in a section of Long Lake. As individuals who operate boats responsibly, we want to express our strong opposition to this proposal.

Wake surfing is an activity that many families enjoy while respecting both the lake and fellow residents. The proposal to ban it outright in a certain area feels unfair and shortsighted, particularly when it appears to be driven by a small group of complaints rather than broad community consensus. Responsible boaters should not lose the freedom to enjoy their sport because of the actions or opinions of a few.

Boating of any kind must be done in a safe and responsible manner. Rules and regulations already exist to monitor lake traffic and set expectations for respectful operation. These measures should remain the foundation of how concerns are addressed, with enforcement directed toward unsafe or inconsiderate operators, regardless of the type of boat they are using.

Some complainants have suggested that wake surfing is damaging their docks and shorelines and are concerned about the expense of repairs. Every boater is responsible for the wake their boat creates, just as they are responsible for their speed, distance from shore, and the safety of their passengers. If there are boaters causing damage, they should be held accountable for their actions rather than penalizing the broader community of responsible users.

Concerns have also been raised about shoreline erosion and ecological impacts. However, the proposed ban focuses on the most densely developed section of Long Lake, where cottages, large home developments, retaining walls, beaches and docks have already altered the shoreline extensively. To suggest that wake surfing in this area poses a unique threat to the natural environment seems inconsistent. It also raises the possibility that arguments about shoreline damage and ecology are being used more as a vehicle for complaints than as a true reflection of environmental priorities and concerns.

More importantly, this ban would set a troubling precedent. If one type of boating activity can be restricted in this way, what stops future bans from extending to other parts of the lake or to other long-standing family activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or similar recreational uses? Long Lake has long supported many different recreational activities, and it should remain a place where all users can continue to share the water responsibly.

Instead of a ban, we encourage Council to pursue constructive solutions that balance safety, respect, and enjoyment for all. These could include education and awareness campaigns for boaters, clearer guidelines on minimum distances from shorelines, and enforcement of the rules that already exist. Such measures would address legitimate concerns without unfairly restricting responsible lake users.

We respectfully ask Council to consider the perspectives of responsible lake users and work with residents, boaters, and community stakeholders to ensure Long Lake remains a place where families and individuals can enjoy a wide variety of activities responsibly and together. We also acknowledge that, while Councilor McIntosh is not personally advocating for this ban, she is representing the area and bringing the matter to Council. We hope the Council considers all viewpoints before making any decisions.