The voices of fustrated residents living along the shore of Lake Couchiching echoed in the halls of the House of Commons in Ottawa this week.
Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers brought a petition about the aerodrome on Lake Couchiching to the federal halls of power Thursday.
“Petitioners would like to see the aerodrome reviewed for safety regulations and ensure that consultations take place between the many residents, boaters and camps and all recreational users of Lake Couchiching including those of Rama First Nation who call this place home,” he said in a social media post.
“They also want future laws and regulations to be changed to require consultations for these types of aerodromes going forward,” he said on social media.
The petition he delivered amassed about 30 signatures within only one week, he said.
“I was approached by private citizens and business owners that expressed concerns, and they mentioned that they had another petition going,” he told OrilliaMatters.
Chambers guided residents how to follow the parliamentary requirements of a petition to be heard in the House of Commons.
They had already started a change.org petition requesting the Lake Country Airways aerodrome, which recently relocated from Lake St. John to Lake Couchiching, cease to operate; they are also calling for a safety assessment. The online petition garnered 799 signatures as of Friday afternoon.
“If there is the people that meet the minimum requirements in order to bring a petition, it is my responsibility to give them a voice, and so I take that very seriously,” said Chambers.
Belinda Robichaud, a Cumberland Beach resident and petition supporter, was shocked by the amount of restrictions she and her family experienced when they purchased a small drone that can fly about a kilometre above them.
“They kept shutting our drone down, to get permission, but yet they can stick an (aerodrome) in the lake and consult no one, it makes no sense,” she said.
Robichaud lives across from Lake Country Airways on Lake Couchiching and is one of the residents who contacted Chambers with concerns. She said she struggles to see how the aerodrome was established when an airport located seven kilometres away also has a water aerodrome.
“They put it in an area where they’re training pilots on very rough water, where they used to be on Lake St. John, and it was very calm water, so it doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense. There’s a lot of winds there, so you’ve got inexperienced pilots, you’ve got swimmers, you’ve got boats, you’ve got jet skis,” she said, expressing worry about an accident.
Robichaud is still informing her neighbours about the aerodrome located on Lake Couchiching. Many of them are unaware, she says, though they have noticed an increase in planes over their homes.
Aerodromes do not require approval from Transport Canada to operate. There are regulations they need to follow, however, including civil aviation standards and the Navigable Waters Act.
Chambers mentioned ongoing conversations with residents about issues with aerodrome regulations.
“I share some of their concerns with the lack of process; it has been well documented that the rules and regulations around aerodromes and setting up aerodromes, both on land and in water in Canada, are full of loopholes,” he said.
Despite the issue being brought to the attention of federal government officials, he said there has been very little done and no changes made.
What Chambers would like to achieve is “greater visibility and awareness of this issue.”
“They met the requirements to have a petition tabled so I was pleased to speak on their behalf,” he said.
The government now has 45 days to respond. Chambers said he is anticipating the response and will follow up with the parliamentary secretary to find out if there is any additional information or if any changes are being considered.
“Longer term, I’m working with a colleague of mine on potential legislation that might force some changes to these regulations,” he noted.
He identified his colleague as a fellow Conservative MP who is dealing with a controversial land aerodrome.
When it comes to the aerodrome on Lake Couchiching, Chambers says “it’s never too late” to improve communications.
At the heart of the issue is fair use of the lake and that goes for float planes, boaters, swimmers, and recreational users of all sorts, said Chambers. However, commercial operations have an impact on the area and should discuss plans and precautions that affect others.
“I’m not against float planes, I’m not against flight schools, I’m not against those activities happening, but I do think, as good neighbours, we should have conversations and you don’t need legislation to do this,” he said, recognizing how popular the use of Lake Couchiching is during the summer.
Because of the commercial nature of Lake Country Airways, Chambers said management of expectations is crucial and conversations must be had to overcome some of the challenges.
“This is about consultation and process and everyone being good neighbours,” he said.
By Danielle Pitman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 22, 2026 at 05:39
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