Right of Passage along the Shoreline of Lake Erie
By-law Enforcement Division staff have been asked multiple times about the rights of people who want to walk along the Lake Erie shoreline. In some cases, property owners along Lake Erie own all or part of the beach and in some cases into the Lake - this is private property and those who walk along the water’s edge on their property are trespassing. However, passersby assume that the beach is public property and that they are able to walk along the water’s edge. The issue in question is whether there are any laws permitting the public to walk along beaches located on private property. Staff research indicates that the Province has considered legislation in the past to allow the public to pass freely along the shoreline of Lake Erie but the legislation was never enacted. The City has determined conclusively that no legislative right of passage exists to walk the beach over private property. To provide access to Lake Erie for residents and visitors, the City does operate two lakefront beach parks - Cedar Bay Centennial Park and Nickel Beach. Questions? Contact the By-law Enforcement Division by email at bylawenforcement@portcolborne.ca or call 905-835-2900 ext. 207.
Nickel Beach
Nickel Beach where Lake Erie water meets more than a mile of white sand providing great windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing. Picnic areas along with rest room facilities and volleyball courts provide visitors with a natural recreation facility.
Located at the end of Welland Street, close to downtown on the east side of the canal.
Centennial - Cedar Bay Beach

Long Beach Convservation Area
Is Lake Erie Safe for Swimming?
The Niagara Public Health Department 'posts' beaches as unsafe for swimming when the water contains levels of bacteria that may increase a bather's risk of developing a variety of irritations and infections. Most common are minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and occasional stomach disorders. Sometimes a beach may be posted unsafe because of floating debris, oil, scum, excessive weed growth, bad odors and general turbidity.
The status of local beaches is rated by the Department of Health each Friday during the summer.