The County of St. Paul is considering new restrictions and safety measures at the Floatingstone Lake boat launch after councillors raised concerns about overcrowding, overnight camping, unsafe parking and garbage being left behind at the increasingly busy lake access.

The discussion took place during a recent council meeting, as councillors described growing problems around the public launch area near the Bonavista subdivision.

Councillor Gerald Michaud said the situation has begun to affect both local residents and people trying to use the lake access properly.

“It’s getting out of control,” Michaud said, describing campers, trailers and vehicles blocking traffic and taking over portions of the area during busy weekends.

Floatingstone Lake has become one of the region’s more popular summer recreation spots. The nearby county campground, located roughly 30 minutes northwest of St. Paul, includes 65 campsites, a boat launch constructed in 2024, playgrounds, swimming areas, fishing access, and day-use amenities.

Council members said part of the challenge is that some visitors are choosing to camp around the public launch and roadside areas instead of using designated camping spaces.

Beyond congestion concerns, council also discussed safety issues involving vehicles parking too close to a steep embankment along Township Road 570 near the Bonavista subdivision.

“To me it’s a huge safety issue,” council heard during the discussion.

Councillors also raised concerns about garbage and debris left behind in the area, including nails from burned pallets used in makeshift fire pits.

Scott Jeffery, Director of Public Works, told council administration has already started looking into options to improve safety and better manage activity around the boat launch.

Council approved the installation of delineators along the south side of Township Road 570 to improve visibility near the embankment and discourage unsafe roadside parking.

New signage will also be installed at the boat launch entrance stating that overnight camping is not permitted and that the county is not responsible for damages in the area.

However, administration cautioned that enforcement may not be simple because portions of the boat launch area fall under Crown land regulated through a Departmental Licence of Occupation (DLO).

As a result, council agreed to postpone further decisions until its June 9 meeting while administration researches exactly what authority the county has to regulate camping, parking and public access at the site.

Council also directed administration to investigate whether additional restrictions or enforcement options are legally available moving forward.

Councillors said they want to find a balance between maintaining public access and addressing growing safety, traffic, and maintenance concerns at one of the county’s busiest lake recreation areas.