Protect Thunder Beach
In 1823, John Goessman received a number of large land parcels in exchange for his work surveying the township. These parcels were given through Crown patents and contained a reservation for a road allowance that Tiny Township claims runs along the (1823) shoreline including the shoreline of a large portion of Thunder Beach.
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What’s Happening
On August 6, Tiny Township Council voted 4–1 to assume control of the Goessman Reserves, which affect eight original lots including a significant portion of the Thunder Beach area. The township claims these 66-foot-wide reservations follow the shoreline's location from 1823. We believe that if these reserves still exist, they are now likely underwater, making their exact locations highly uncertain. Citing this same issue, the council in 2002 unanimously rejected a similar by-law, calling its implementation an ‘administrative nightmare’.
At a recent meeting, the council confirmed it had no plans for public dialogue on this issue. Their stated goal is to increase public beach access, disregarding longstanding private ownership, historic agreements, and the significant implementation costs. If left unchallenged, this by-law will permanently alter the character of Thunder Beach and come at a great expense to all taxpayers in Tiny. This is consistent with the council's track record of uncontrolled spending on other controversial initiatives.
What’s At Stake
If this by-law stands, we risk:
Overcrowding and loss of privacy
Noise, litter, smoking, and parking problems
Increased trespassing and public safety concerns
Pressure on community spaces (clubhouse, tennis courts, fields)
Decline in property values
This is about far more than a single strip of land—the precedent could affect all community property owners.
Our Response
Affected property owners have formed the Goessman Reserve Working Committee.
We have retained experienced legal and surveying professionals.
After consultation, our legal team’s advice is clear: the strongest and least costly option is to challenge this by-law in court and seek to have it quashed.
Doing nothing will cost us far more—in community, enjoyment, and property value.
The Financial Reality
Mounting a serious legal challenge will require significant resources. We require the help of lawyers, surveyors, and expert witnesses.
We are well underway in our fundraising efforts and are actively exploring support from other affected beaches as well. Thunder Beach is at the forefront—organized, committed, and with the most at stake.
How You Can Help
We need broad support from all who care about preserving Thunder Beach. Every contribution, large or small, strengthens our case and lightens the burden for everyone.
Under the current council, our township is running its first-ever deficit due to financial mismanagement, increasing all residents’ property taxes. Their policies have also created significant difficulties for shoreline owners and communities. Please be aware, the next municipal election is in the fall of 2026.
The Bottom Line
This is a fight for the future of Thunder Beach. We know from past efforts—like the successful defence of Rowntree Beach—that united shoreline communities can prevail. But only if we act together, and act now.
Let’s preserve the safe, quiet, and family-oriented community that makes Thunder Beach so special.